Exploring the Impacts of Webquests on Developing Persuasive Writing Skills, Online Social Presence, and Sense of Belonging among ESP Majors

Abstract

The current study explores of the impacts of WebQuests on developing persuasive writing skills. It also aims to assess the actual impacts of the online learning environment on developing online social presence of university students in online learning environments, and sense of belonging among ESP majors. Participants in the study were 72 ESP majors in the College of Management Sciences (CMS), Sadat Academy for Management Sciences (SAMS) in both braches of Alexandria and Tanta; 43 students in the experimental group, and 29 students in the control group. Instruments used in the study include: persuasive writing skills test, Online Social Presence Scale, and Hoffman Sense of Belonging Scale (HSBS). Sequential exploratory mixed research method was used for its appropriacy to the nature of the study. Findings of the study revealed positive impacts on enhancing persuasive writing skills. It is also shown that using this online environment helps learners to improve ESP majors' online social presence. In addition, online social presence and involvement in online learning environment lead to enhancing sense of belonging among ESP majors.