A study on the Learners' responses to the use of online community in screen English classes

Sung, Jee hee

Article

Journal of English Teaching through Movies and Media 2007;8(1):29-49.
Published online June 30, 2007.

A study on the Learners' responses to the use of online community in screen English classes

Jee hee Sung

온라인 커뮤니티를 활용한 스크린 영어수업에 대한 학습자 반응 연구

성지희

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of online community as a language teaching and learning aid in Screen English classrooms. This study introduces web-integrated activities designed for Screen English classrooms. The students were asked to participate in a variety of activities. Students were asked to perform synchronous online chatting in English through the Internet about a given topic. Students were asked to answer a few pre-listening comprehension checkup questions and write down at least 15 meaningful or important sentences as they watch the episode of the week and translate them. They were asked to use English only during class. A survey questionnaire was administered to analyze students' responses toward the use of online community in Screen English classes. The analysis of data suggests that the use of online community is effective in helping students in learning English through movies and sitcoms. This study might help English teachers in designing effective activities by using online community. Classroom activities can be designed with basic computer skills in order to provide students background information, extending reading, and the opportunity to chat with other classmates. Pedagogical implications based on the findings are also suggested.

Key Words: screen English;online community