Fahd Hamad A Alqasham

Citation

Thesis Title
"Virtual social network-mediated English language learning in a Saudi tertiary EFL context: Innovation and agency"

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Mr Alqasham investigated the nature and roles of virtual social network (VSN) within a Saudi tertiary EFL (English as a Foreign Language) setting, and the trajectory of the students’ experiences and perceptions of Twitter inside the classroom and of WhatsApp outside the classroom throughout a 12-week semester. He found that the in-class use of Twitter could not provide the students with the required opportunities due to students’ anxiety from making mistakes, lack of teacher support and weak Internet connection. In contrast, the use of WhatsApp allowed the students to collaborate, practice what they were learning, develop autonomy, and transit from being passive to active learners, not only in English but also in other subjects. His research contributes to an understanding of the innovation process with regard to VSN technologies in language learning among EFL learners at the tertiary level in the Saudi context.

Supervisors
Professor Cynthia White
Professor Leonel Alvarado
Dr Gillian Skyrme