A Blog to Teach English in High School during the Covid-19 Confinement
Abstract
This research explored the outcomes of using a blog to upload the content of EFL classes during the Covid-19 confinement) to discover to what extent the adaptation of this e-tool could be of benefit to access content for economically disadvantaged students. This study was carried out in a high school located in Veracruz, México. The participants were 171 second semester students who were taking the subject Inglés II from February 2021 to July 2021; during that period students accessed the content of the EFL course using a blog. The data were collected through questionnaires and interviews to obtain a close perception of emergency remote teaching in this particular scenario. The main findings indicated predominantly positive experiences related to accessibility to the asynchronous course in the blog, as well as perceived improvement in writing and reading skills in a large scale, whereas listening and speaking skills improved in a minor scale
Keywords
blogs, emergency remote teaching, high school, EFL, Covid-19
Author Biography
María de los Ángeles Cruz Sánchez
BA in English Language Teaching. Currently, she is studying a MA in Teaching English as a Foreign Language at Universidad Veracruzana. She teaches English to children, teenagers and adults at private language schools. She has presented research results at national and international forums. Her research interests are related to language teaching and learning as well as online education.
Enrique Vez López
Full-time professor, University of Veracuz (UV). Bachelor’s degree in English language, UV; Specialization in English Language Teaching, (UV); Master's degree in Education, Eastern Mennonite University, VA, USA; Ph.D. in Language Studies UV. Among his publications feature those related to language, culture, and English teaching and learning.
References
- Abubakar, M., & Tsuraya, A. S. (2021). Investigating Students' Eyesights in the Utilization of Platforms in Learning ESP during the Covid -19 Pandemic. Universitas Muslim Maros, 4(1), 1-16. https://ejournals.umma.ac.id/index.php/seltics/article/view/954
- https://doi.org/10.46918/seltics.v4i1.954 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46918/seltics.v4i1.954
- Adzharuddin, N. A., & Ling, L. H. (2013). Learning Management System (LMS) among University Students: Does It Work? International Journal of e-Education, e-Business, e-Management and e-Learning, 3(3), 248 - 252.
- https://doi.org/10.7763/IJEEEE.2013.V3.233 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7763/IJEEEE.2013.V3.233
- Ahluwalia, G., Gupta, D., & Aggarwal, D. (2011). The use of blogs in English language learning: A study of student perceptions. Profile Issues in Teachers' Professional Development, 13(2), 29-41.
- Amin, F. M., & Sundari, H. (2020). EFL students' preferences on digital platforms during emergency remote teaching: Video Conference, LMS, or Messenger Application? Studies in English Language and Education, 7(2), https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v7i2.16929 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v7i2.16929
- Aydin, S. (2014). The Use of Blogs in Learning English as a Foreign Language. Mevlana International Journal of Education, 4(1), 244-259. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274703604_The_Use_of_Blogs_in_Learning_English_as_a_Foreign_Language
- https://doi.org/10.13054/mije.13.79.4.1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13054/mije.13.79.4.1
- Azizinezhad, M. & Hashemi, M. (2011). The use of blogs in teaching and learning translation. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 28(2011) 867-871.
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.11.159 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.11.159
- Badusah, J., Razak, A.A., & Romly, R. (2009). Advantages of using blogs in language learning at technical school. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290905965_Advantages_of_using_blogs_in_language_learning_at_technical_school
- Basal, A. (2016). Extending the Functionality of LMS for English Language Teaching. ICT for Language Learning, 9th edition. https://www.academia.edu/34568476/Extending_the_Funtionality_of_LMS_for_English_Language_Teaching_pdf
- Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101.
- https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
- Brown, G. T. L., & Harris, L. R. (2010). Mixing interview and questionnaire methods: Practical problems in aligning data. Practical Assesment, Research, and Evaluation, 15(1), 1 - 19. https://doi.org/10.7275/959j-ky83
- Cambridge Dictionary. (2021). Instant Messaging. Learners' dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/instant-messaging
- Caulfield, J. (2019). How to do Thematic Analysis. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/thematic-analysis/
- Collins English Dictionary. (2021). Definition of EFL. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/efl
- Consejo Nacional de Prestación de Servicios para la Atención, Cuidado y Desarrollo Integral Infantil. (2020). Programa 'Aprende en Casa'. Gobierno de México. https://www.gob.mx/consejonacionalcai/documentos/programa-aprende-en-casa
- Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative Inquiry Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. (3rd edition) SAGE Publications.
- Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. (4th edition) SAGE Publications.
- Creswell, J. W., & Plano, V. L. (2018). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research (3rd edition). SAGE Publications.
- Dawhan, S. (2020). Online Learning: A Panacea in the Time of COVID-19 Crisis. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 49(1), 5-22.
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0047239520934018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0047239520934018
- DiGregorio, D. & Featro, S. M. (2016). Blogging as an Instructional Tool in the ESL Classroom. The Electronic Journal for English as a Second Language, 20(1), 1-9. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1103321
- Erarslan, A. (2021). English language teaching and learning during Covid-19: A global perspective on the first year. Journal of Educational Technology & Online Learning, 4(2), 349 -367.
- https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.907757 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.907757
- Fatimah, A. S., Kardijan, S., & Sulastri, F. (2020). Blogging in Extensive Reading: Students' Voice in Blended Learning Classroom. Vision: Journal for Language and Foreign Language Learning, 9(1), 81-95.
- https://doi.org/10.21580/vjv9i14847 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21580/vjv9i14847
- Ferri, F., Grifoni, P., & Guzzo, T. (2020). Online Learning and Emergency Remote Teaching: Opportunities and Challenges in Emergency Situations. Societies, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/soc10040086 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/soc10040086
- Flatley, M. E. (2007). Teaching the Virtual Presentation. Business Communication Quarterly, 70(3), 301-305.
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1080569907305305 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1080569907305305
- Gaurav, K. (2019). History of Blogging: An Infographic for Every Blogger. eAskme. https://www.easkme.com/2019/02/history-of-blogging-infographic.html
- Gillham, B. (2000). Case Study Research Methods. Continuum, London. https://books.google.com.mx/books/about/Case_Study_Research_Methods.html?id=eZuSswEACAAJ&redir_esc=y
- Gokdas, I. & Kilic, E. (2014). Learning through Blogging: Use of Blogs to Enhance the Perceived Learning of Pre-service ICT Teachers. Educational Consultancy and Research Center. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1034038.pdf
- Google. (June 10, 2021). Blogger Support. https://support.google.com/blogger/answer/9484964?hl=es
- Hodges, C., Moore, S., Lockee, B., Trust, T., & Bond, A. (2020). The Difference Between Emergency Remote Teaching and Online Learning. Educause. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2020/3/the-difference-between-emergency-remote-teaching-and-online-learning
- Huang, M., Shi, Y., & Yang, X. (2020). Emergency remote teaching of English as a foreign language during COVID-19: Perspectives from a university in China. IJERI: International Journal of Educational Research and Innovation, (15), 400-418. https://doi.org/10.46661/ijeri.5351 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46661/ijeri.5351
- Ibáñez, F. (2020). Online Education, Virtual Education, Distance Education - Differences and Characteristics. Institute for the Future of Education. Tecnológico de Monterrey. https://observatory.tec.mx/edu-news/types-of-remote-learning
- Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía. (2020). Encuesta Nacional Sobre Disponibilidad y Uso de las Tecnologías de Información en los Hogares (ENDUTIH). https://www.inegi.org.mx/contenidos/saladeprensa/boletines/2020/OtrTemEcon/ENDUTIH_2019.pdf
- Iowa State University. (2017). Traditional Face-to-Face Teaching. https://www.celt.iastate.edu/teaching/teaching-format/traditional-face-to-face/
- Ireri, B. N., Wario, R. D., & Mwingirwa, I. M. (2017). Choosing and Adapting a Mobile Learning Model for Teacher Education. Handbook of Research on Digital Content, Mobile Learning, and Technology Integration Models in Teacher Education. (pp. 27)
- https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-2953-8.ch007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-2953-8.ch007
- Juárez- Díaz, C. & Perales, M. (2021). Language Teachers' Emergency Remote Teaching Experiences During the COVID-19 Confinement. Profile: Issues in Teachers' Professional Development, 23(2), 121-135.
- https://doi.org/10.15446/profile.v23n2.90195 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15446/profile.v23n2.90195
- Kern, R. (2012). Perspectives on Technology in Learning and Teaching Languages. TESOL Quarterly, 40(1), 183-210.
- https://doi.org/10.2307/40264516 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/40264516
- Meyer, D. (2020). Virtual Learning is the Way Forward for Educators. Elmhurst University. https://www.elmhurst.edu/blog/virtual-learning/
- Miftachudin, M. (2017). Students' Perceptions of the Use of Blogs in English Language Learning. REGISTER JOURNAL, Language & Language Teaching Journals, 10(1). 101- 121.
- https://doi.org/10.18326/rgt.v10i1.101-121 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18326/rgt.v10i1.101-121
- Mollenkopf, D., Felton, M., Karabon, A., & Westerlin, S. A. (2020). Building Higher Education Community: A Lesson from Nebraska. Professional and Ethical Consideration for Early Childhood Leaders. (pp. 24) https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-5089-2.ch010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-5089-2.ch010
- Mulyono, H., Suryoputro, G., & Jamil, S. R. (2021). Heliyon, 7(8).
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07853 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07853
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2020). School Education During Covid-19: Were Teachers and Students Ready? Tackling Coronavirus (Covid- 19). https://www.oecd.org/education/Mexico-coronavirus-education-country-note.pdf
- Osorio, M. C. (2020). Mexico's COVID-19 distance education program compels a re-think of the country's future of education. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2020/04/21/mexicos-covid-19-distance-education-program-compels-a-re-think-of-the-countrys-future-of-education/
- Plano, V. L., & Ivankova, N. V. (2016). Mixed Methods Research: A Guide to the Field. SAGE Publications.
- https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483398341 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483398341
- Põldoja, H., Duval, E. & Leinonen, T. (2016). Design and evaluation of an online tool for open learning with blogs. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 32(2), 64-81. https://ajet.org.au/index.php/AJET/article/view/2450
- https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.2450 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.2450
- Quad, A. (2016). Research Tools: Interviews and Questionnaires. LLED Manual. https://lled500.trubox.ca/2016/225
- Sanjaya, H. K., Apriani, E., & Edy, S. (2020). Using Web Blogs in Teaching Writing for EFL Students. Journal of English Education and Teaching, 4(4), 516-535.
- https://doi.org/10.33369/jeet.4.4.516-535 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33369/jeet.4.4.516-535
- Sawmiller, A. (2010). Classroom Blogging: What is the Role in Science Learning? Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 83(2), 44-48. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505456 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505456
- Smith, D. (2003). Five Principles for Research Ethics. American Psychological Association, 1(34), 56. https://www.apa.org/monitor/jan03/principles
- https://doi.org/10.1037/e300062003-028 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/e300062003-028
- Spanou, S. & Zafiri, M. (2019). Teaching Reading and Writing Skills to Young Learners in English as a Foreign Language Using Blogs: A Case Study. Journal of Language and Cultural Education, 7(2).
- https://doi.org/10.2478/jolace-2019-0009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jolace-2019-0009
- Suputra, D. (2021). Teaching English through Online Learning (A Literature Review). The Art of Teaching English as a Foreign Language, 1(2), 65-70.
- https://doi.org/10.36663/tatefl.v1i2.104 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36663/tatefl.v1i2.104
- Teddlie, C., & Tashakkori, A. (2009). Foundations of Mixed Methods Research: Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. SAGE Publications.
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (2020). COVID-19 y Educación Superior: de los Efectos Inmediatos al Día Después. IESALC. https://www.iesalc.unesco.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COVID-19-ES-130520.pdf
- Wang, H. (2008) Exploring Educational Use of Blogs in U.S Education. US-China Education Review. 5(10), pp. 38-38.
- Whittle, C., Tiwari, S. R., Yan, S., & Williams, J. (2020) Emergency Remote Teaching Environment: a Conceptual Framework for Responsive Online Teaching in Crises. Emerald Publishing Limited, 121 (5/6) 311 - 319.
- https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-04-2020-0099 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-04-2020-0099
- Winstead, S. (2021). eLearning and Virtual Learning - Learn the differences between these two styles and which is the right choice for you. My Learning World. https://myelearningworld.com/elearning-vs-virtual-learning/
- Yin, R. K. (2009). Case Study Research: Design and Methods (4th edition). Applied Social Research Methods.
- Zapata-Garibay R., González-Fagoaga J. E., González-Fagoaga C. J., Cauich-García J. R., & Plascencia-López I (2021). Higher Education Teaching Practices Experience in Mexico, During the Emergency Remote Teaching Implementation due to COVID-19. Frontiers in Education. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2021.628158/full
- https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.628158 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.628158
- Zohrabi, M. (2013). Mixed Method Research: Instruments, Validity, Reliability and Reporting Findings. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 3, 254-262.
- https://doi.org/10.4304/tpls.3.2.254-262 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4304/tpls.3.2.254-262