Abstract
Purpose – This study explored English for Specific Purpose (ESP) students’ utilisation of an online discussion forum (ODF) via the university Learning Management System to assist them in executing their group project task of constructing a Company Profile. Methodology – A case study was employed, guided by Socio-Constructivism theory and the Partnership for 21st Century Learning framework. A total of 26 undergraduates participated voluntarily in the ODF. The group project was carried out virtually among group members in three online sessions. Prior to the project, students were briefed by the instructor, who posted questions to students via the portal in stages to carry out the discussion online. Besides the online postings, students wrote about the ODF experience in their reflective journals and took part in interviews. The data were qualitatively analysed. Findings – Students valued the learning experience and perceived the ODF as beneficial in facilitating English language learning as well as fostering 21st century skills. The positive impact on English language learning was realised in students’ linguistic attainment. Meanwhile, flexibility trait, reference for documentation, confidence increase and attentiveness provision were identified as factors that influenced the students’ optimistic views on the use of the ODF. The students also saw the online environment as an inclusive venue for developing critical thinking, leadership, discipline, time management and digital skills. Significance – The study demonstrated the potential of ODF as a convenient and flexible platform that is able to promote linguistic improvement among students through discussions and knowledge sharing relative to the assigned group task. The non-threatening learning and the conducive atmosphere of their group discussion experience also supported active participation, giving passive students more opportunities to express their opinions confidently.
Highlights
In tertiary educational institutions, both teachers and learners are facilitated by technological advancements in computers, the internet and telecommunication
In an attempt to foster the use of English and other 21st century skills among students, online discussion forum (ODF) was selected to be integrated in this English for Specific Purpose (ESP) course
The data obtained from the individual interview and reflective journals conveyed the students’ positive perception regarding the use of the ODF, which had enriched their linguistic knowledge in terms of syntactic structure construction; wordlists, pronunciation, spelling and grammar checks; proper word usage in context, WH-questions, and parts of speech
Summary
Both teachers and learners are facilitated by technological advancements in computers, the internet and telecommunication. A shift has ensued from conservative teacher-centred approaches to the much-preferred learner-centred approaches that emphasise on how learners construct knowledge individually and socially from the information and experiences in their repertoire. This can be seen especially in the emergence of social constructivism in the 1970s. In an attempt to foster the use of English and other 21st century skills among students, ODF was selected to be integrated in this ESP course. Hancock (2016) suggests that ODF is among the easiest computer facilitated communication instruments that can be incorporated to promote active participation and to stretch discussions beyond the classroom English language instructors needed to inspire students to adapt to an online mode. Hancock (2016) suggests that ODF is among the easiest computer facilitated communication instruments that can be incorporated to promote active participation and to stretch discussions beyond the classroom
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