15Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
INTERNET BLOGS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING
Nazokat Rahmonovna Saitkulova
Doctor of Philosophy in Pedagogy, (PhD) Chirchik state pedagogical university
ABSTRACT
The article provides general information about the work devoted to the study of the effectiveness of the using Internet blogs in teaching foreign languages. The definition of an Internet blog is given. The theoretical basis for the use of Internet blogs in the educational context is presented. The results of the scientific research on the use of Internet blogs in improving the cultural competence of students were reviewed. The effectiveness of using Internet blogs for the development of reading and speaking skills in a foreign language is considered.
Keywords: blog,video blog, person-centered approach, collaborative learning. Internet blogs are becoming an increasingly popular tool for teaching foreign languages. However, there are many questions regarding the ways in which the use of blogs can be integrated into existing curricula and the results of scientific research on the use of blogs in teaching. In this article, we will consider the results of various studies on the use of blogs in the process of teaching foreign languages.
To begin with, let's clarify the meaning of the term "blog" and define the theoretical foundations of this concept from the point of view of the constructivist approach to education learning.
A blog - is a website or online magazine published on the World Wide Web.
Internet for discussion or information purposes, with publications arranged in reverse chronological order [2]. Blog readers can leave comments and messages to the blog author [7]. In the blog itself you can post Internet links to other resources or text publications that are created by individual authors, groups of authors. Blogs are dedicated to specific topics or issues.They allow bloggers to build social relationships with their readers and give blog readers personal feedback on specific articles without being limited by the time and place of creating posts.
The main text of blogs is often supplemented with videos, images and links to other blogs. Blogs can consist of video materials (video blogs), audio materials (audio blogs), photos (photo blogs) and very short text publications (micro blogs).
Blogs that are used as educational resources are called educational blogs.Despite the fact that blogs were not initially directly intended for educational
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purposes, they have attracted the interest of foreign language teachers due to the fact that they allow them to create electronic magazines even without special programming knowledge. [9]. Proponents of constructivist theory in education advocate the use of blogs in teaching because blogs help stimulate student interaction, implement the principles of student-centered learning and the idea of social learning [2]. In addition, the constructivist approach focuses on the cognitive development of the student, specifically how society and culture influence him [6]. Because blogs support students' knowledge construction, the process of creating meaning from previous experiences, they serve as a valuable tool for teachers and students to generate ideas together [10]. By using blogs in language teaching, students can apply their language knowledge in different situations, discuss their opinions with other students, transfer their knowledge from one basic skill to another, and create a social learning environment that promotes collaborative learning. In this article, we provide an overview of various studies, such as studying the cultural aspects of using blogs, learning to use blogs for communication in the target language, and as a tool for developing basic skills such as speaking and reading.
1. Cultural aspect.
The use of blogs in teaching foreign languages contributes to the acquisition of cultural knowledge and provides an opportunity to become more familiar with the culture of the language being studied.
Research shows that through blogging, students gain cultural knowledge and have the opportunity to learn the culture of the target language. For example, the results of a qualitative study of a collaboration project in which American and Spanish students created blogs for intercultural exchange indicate that the use of the method of communicative tasks in collaboration projects helps to the effective learning of a foreign language and its culture [4]. In another example, the effectiveness of language learning using bulletin boards, blogs and online discussions has been proven [3]. The results of the project, in which students participated as authors and readers of blogs, show that blogs stimulate creativity, provide an opportunity to experiment with language, improve expressive skills and become familiar with language culture [2]. In addition, blogs provide access to popular culture. The results of the study indicate that blogs provide new opportunities for language acquisition, communication with native speakers, immersion in popular culture and authentic language material. Recent research confirms that the use of blogs promotes cultural interaction and develops language competence. Finally, a study of asynchronous communication using blogs among American undergraduate students in the context of autonomous learning found that blogs provide excellent
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opportunities for promoting learner autonomy and developing intercultural competence.[5].
2. Interaction and communication.
Research shows that the use of blogs plays an important role in promoting interaction among students themselves, as well as between teachers and students.
Digital environments such as blogs have been noted to stimulate interaction and communicative practice among students [8]. In addition, as research shows, the use of blogs by foreign language teachers not only increases their motivation, but also allows them to diversify discussions held as part of the educational process [4]. Finally, researchers who have studied interaction strategies between teachers and students have found that the use of blogs has a positive impact on students' increased opportunities for self-expression and self-assessment, as well as overall learning progress [3]. Research also confirms that using blogs provides additional opportunities to communicate in the target language. In a study of a video blogging project, researchers concluded that video blogs help students create and evaluate their own learning products, develop professional skills, and communicate in real time [6]. In addition, it has been confirmed that modern technologies such as wikis and blogs provide a highly flexible means of learning and developing language skills [3].
3. Basic language skills.
Research on the use of blogs to develop reading and writing skills confirms the effectiveness of this technique in teaching. However, there is limited research on the use of blogs as a way to develop speaking skills. In a study of a German language course aimed at developing language skills, it was concluded that the use of blogs, along with other electronic learning tools, has a positive effect on the development of these skills [2]. An example of a twelve-month project in which students participated as blog writers and readers found that blogs stimulate creativity, stimulated language experimentation, facilitated student self-expression, and helped students become familiar with the culture of the target language [7].
4.Speaking skills.
Research effects of blogging on speaking skills suggests that it is an effective tool for developing brainstorming, self-presentation, and communication skills.
The same research found that blogs have no effect on improving speech fluency, accuracy in expressing thoughts and correct pronunciation. Using blogs provides evidence that develops skills in brainstorming, self-presentation, evaluation, and information sharing [3]. A study that examined audio blogs used in teaching English as a foreign language found that audio blogs had a positive effect on the development of oral language skills [10].
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5.Reading skills.
Using blogs promotes a positive perception of learning material, increases activity in educational discussion, develops horizons and critical thinking skills, there is relatively little evidence that blogs improve students' reading skills. Researchers investigating the effectiveness of blogs in teaching reading to first-year university students learning English as a foreign language found that the use of blogs was enthusiastically received by the majority of study participants and demonstrated greater effectiveness in developing reading skills than other more traditional teaching techniques[36]. Blogs are also effective for stimulating classroom discussion. Discussion-based learning improves reading achievement and the use of blogs is an effective technique for engaging students in classroom discussions [20]. Using blogs improves literacy and critical thinking skills.The Talkback Project used blogs as an online discussion medium for students, parents, and trainee teachers, and the researcher concluded that blogs contributed to the development of students' critical thinking skills as well as their overall level of traditional and computer literacy [7, p. 92] .Using blogs in learning English, it was concluded that blogging has a beneficial effect on the development of reading and critical thinking skills. In the analysis of the results of the project called Ning's blog with the participation of teachers who communicate with students through children's literature blogs, it was found that blogs have a positive effect on the activity and critical thinking skills of students[4, p.232]. There is little evidence to support the effectiveness of using blogs to develop reading and reading comprehension skills.
In conclusion, Blogging gives students the opportunities to speak their „unique voices'. Students can practice their communication and conversation skills when they comment on others' postings or reply to others' feedback on their blogs. Blogging can also help students be courteous and thoughtful. Blogging develops students' analytical thinking and increases learning to a higher level, not merely just "understanding" and "remembering" instructional materials. Before their thoughts can be written down, students need to analyze the subject and then clarify their thoughts about the subject. Then, they need to carefully formulate and stand by their own opinions. Blogging encourages students to contemplate how their opinions might be interpreted and reflected upon by others. The future of blogging in online learning and education looks promising. Blogs provide a platform for students and educators to share knowledge, engage in conversations, and foster a sense of community. In online courses, blogs can be used as a tool for reflection, allowing students to document their learning journey and receive feedback from peers and instructors. Blogs can serve as a valuable resource for self-directed learners, as they can access a
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Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
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wide range of perspectives and resources on various topics. The interactive nature of blogs enhances the learning experience and encourages active participation, making them a valuable asset in the future of online education.
Additionally, blogging facilitates the development of a digital presence and allows individuals to showcase their expertise and interests to a wider audience
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