Mobile Applications for Developing Second Language Collaborative Writing

Sasi Sekhar Mallampalli,Shriya Goyal

doi:10.3991/ijim.v15i07.19885

Sasi Sekhar Mallampalli, Shriya Goyal

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i07.19885

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Abstract

Developing writing skills in a foreign language is one of the demanding tasks for both teachers and students. It not only demands extensive reading and intensive practice in writing both inside and outside the classroom but also timely feedback and error-correction. The experimental study aimed at studying the impact of collaborative writing tasks using mobile applications like WhatsApp, Google Docs, and Google Slides on enhancing the writing ability at the pre-intermediate level of Common European Frame of Reference (CEFR). The participants were tertiary level students of Cihan University who were randomly divided into two equal groups (n=28). One group used WhatsApp and the other group used the Google Docs and Google Slides apps on their mobile devices. The comparative study analyzed the impact of each application on improving the writing skills of the students with pretest and posttest results and semi-structured interviews. The results indicated that the participants who used Google Docs and Google Slides apps have performed better than the participants in the WhatsApp group. The results have implications for teachers teaching writing skills and students who write using mobile applications.

Highlights

Writing effectively in a global language is one of the most challenging aspects of second language learning and one of the most sought-after skills for employability and career success [1]
The present study explores the efficacy, viability, and impact of WhatsApp and Google Docs, Google Slides applications for improving the pre-intermediate level (CEFR) writing skills of the tertiary level Kurdish students at Cihan University, Erbil
The purpose of the two mobile applications is basically different, as WhatsApp is meant for instant messaging, and Google Docs and Google Slides are meant for creating documents collaboratively

Summary

Introduction

Writing effectively in a global language is one of the most challenging aspects of second language learning and one of the most sought-after skills for employability and career success [1]. Communicating effectively using different technological tools is one of the essential skills in the digital age of communication. 1.1 Importance of L2 writing skills using digital tools. Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) is one of the most widely recognized fields of mobile learning. It has attracted the attention of researchers and practitioners as one of the most promising fields of research for enabling millions of learners to learn and acquire skills in second language around the world. The affordances of smartphones led educators and researchers to explore and experiment with the uses of these handheld devices in language pedagogy

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