Integrating Social Networking Tools into ESL Writing Classroom

-Summary-
 
In this article, the author investigate about the good and bad effects of incorporating social networking tools into ESL writing classroom. Integrating social networking tools into ESL writing classroom can foster students way of thinking. Also, it would help students to be motivated and have the confidence to take on English especially during group discussions. Furthermore, students with lower language skills can participate in discussions with less stress in mind. However, social networking tools poses problems. Students nowadays are accustom to informal style of writing that shadows the actual writing form. Not to mention the distractions that comes along with social networking services which hinders students from concentrating on their writing.
-Experience-

 I have been an active user of social networking tools especially Facebook since the day I have registered my account. Throughout my years of using social networking tools e.g Facebook, I have come to a conclusion that it can be beneficial and also harmful. Since I started using Facebook, my command towards the English language has risen exponentially especially in my writing, When friends started to update their status, mostly quotes from the internet and bible verses, I would read and try to understand not only the meaning but also the structure of the sentence e.g grammar. Also, Facebook can be use as a medium to held discussions via groups chats. My secondary school teacher had once open a group chat for our debate team to have discussions on a topic and she took on the role of a supervisor to correct our mistakes and also add on any good info. The Facebook group chat is a convenient tool to use for discussions. Moreover, since using Facebook, It has boost my confidence to write more as I get feedback from my friends every time I post something meaningful. However, social networking tools has its downside. Facebook for example has become a distraction for most people including myself. It is inevitable that will always check our Facebook every-time an internet access is available. Hence, it becomes a distraction especially when we need to look up for info on the internet. It is time consuming when we spend the next hour on Facebook while our assignments are still on the drawing board. Therefore, good or bad is truly up to the users.

-Opinion-

I hope to encourage all younger generations to use social networking tools the right way. We must understand the true meaning of why social networking tools was created. Is it simply to connect with people around the world? Logically the answer is to connect people with other people but after that we could opt in by creating a group to discuss a meaningful topic. This is beneficial especially to students who wants to improve their writing abilities and are afraid to speak out loud during a discussion. Shy students can build their confidence by participating in an online discussion or forum to give their personal opinion by typing it online without having to voice out immediately as when having a face to face conversation. Therefore, it is better for young students to create a social network with the mindset of improving their writing and thinking abilities.

Struck with boredom

It's a Saturday and I'm alone in this room. I was thinking of playing games but I decided to blog. I could have gone home like everyone else did but I decided to stay. Why? Well first of all, although it's only been our first week of class but we are already hammered with assignments, tutorials, etc. To some, it's a piece of cake but to others including myself, it's mind boggling.

But that's how assignments are suppose to be, challenging. Personally, it's great to be given assignments, it helps to sharpen our thinking skills and improve our writing abilities. However, it does make me go ''grr'' sometimes. Nevertheless, it's a step that we must take to improve ourselves and to chip in a decent percentage close to a 10. Hopefully, 8 or 9 out of 10. =). Hehe.

The second and final reason is there is nothing to do at home anyways. Sure meet your families and all but I guess I'm not that really homesick. However,  in a couple of months, I will surely be homesick and that is when I will ride that 2hours and a half bus home. Peace out-

P.s, still alone and bored.

A letter to thy self~

Hello future me, how are you?

You wrote this letter back in 2012, back then you were just entering a new phase in your life. I hope you'll be living the dream once you read this letter again sometime in the future or exactly 5 years from now when you are seating in an armchair waiting for your next class to teach. =).

You must have struggled a lot in the past with all those assignments. Nevertheless, I do hope you had fun as well. Have you climbed Mount Kinabalu yet?? I sure hope you did, you've been planning to do that since you were a 16 years old. It would be a waste if u had not complete that part in your life. Haha

By the way, how's that bucket list going? Finished it yet? I'm sure by the time you re-read this letter it would be 80% complete. If not, then take it slow, life is just beginning.

A little advice to the future me, never look back on all those decisions you have made, some were good one's and some were bad. It does not matter now, it's all in the past and never doubt yourself on all those mistakes you have made and going to make later on, it's those mistake that have shape you to become a better man.

Also, never forget that promise you made to your parents. They have done the best they could, treat them well. They have taken care of you and now it's your turn to take care of them.

Take care future me, live life to the fullest.
P/s.. take care of her.