Tuesday, September 4, 2018


Over the number of years, the phenomenon of blog writing and the subsequent emergence of the blogosphere have presented web users with yet another means of communicating in the online environment. (Fellner & Apple, 2006). Namely, blogs have presented learners with an alternative means of self-expression in the online medium, as blogs are considered to be as a form of online diary writing. In other words, blogs give the learners the opportunity to create their own contemplative space, which facilitates more consideration and reflection on their actions.
Regarding Armenian EFL learners, I think that it will be beneficial for the Armenian EFL learners to express and publish their ideas not only with their classmates but also with a broader audience (rural vs urban context). Moreover, it will be a way for them to practice different aspects of language and at the same time read different opinions about the same theme. Furthermore, peers who live in the city may have an entirely different way of thinking or world understanding and having the chance to read different opinions about the same topic will give them the opportunity to develop their critical thinking, as blogs are typically perceived to be beneficial in helping to promote critical thinking skills.  (Murry & Hourigan, 2008). Hence, it is the task of the teachers provide the Ss with appropriate input and at the same time, create an appropriate context for the students to produce their output.

However, blogging tasks have not only their positive effects on learners but also negative ones. For instance, Armenian EFL learners (8-10 years old, public school) who may not yet have acquired the appropriate linguistic skills to write, may find writing blogs, as a too difficult task. Thus, they may start writing in their native language. Hence, in this case, the responsibility lies with the teacher to choose the procedure which is most appropriate for his/her students. According to Nunan (2015), it is essential for a teacher to create such a way of teaching that will be in harmony with his/her students learning styles and abilities. However, sometimes it is too complicated for the teachers to create tasks that will match the needs of the learners.



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