Using Online Social Networks ( )
to Improve English Language Learning
Andrew Cohen, M. Ed TESOL
Donna Hurst, M. Ed TESOL
Karen Rosenbaum, M. Ed TESOL

96% teenagers have used
social networking technologies

81%
teenagers say they have visited their
social network in the past three months

6th
largest country in the world: Facebook

social networks as tools for increasing
English language learning

There are clear advantages to
using the Ning in the classroom.

?
What does research say about
computer-based project learning?

\"Always-on Communication...\" (Ito)

\"Masses of input\"
Good 'ole Krashen

\"Superior instructional methods\"

+
Spoken language Print

Choice + Relevance

Engagement

Creative output + interaction

Experimenting + refining hypotheses

Grammar/ vocabulary

Authentic content
indirect learning

\"Low barriers [lead] to
self-directed learning...\"

... from which the
outcome emerges... (Ito)

Limitations

receptive & expressive
authentic
types of communications?
materials?
Multiple variables
multi-media
extensive
resources?
materials?

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #4: Geography & Culture

How Topography Affects the Culture of Cleveland
The topography of Cleveland, Ohio has had many effects on the culture
of the people. Since the Cleveland area has many fertile plains, it is a good place
for agriculture. Consequently, farmers in the region raise livestock and grow
corn, wheat, and soybeans in the summer. Thus, Cleveland is known in Ohio as
a very important farming center. Additionally, Lake Erie is a significant
topographical feature. Due to its cool water on a hot summer day, many people
like to spend their free time there swimming. Because there are many types of
large freshwater fish in the lake, people also like to charter boats and go fishing
on weekends. For this reason, going to Lake Erie is a popular place for
Clevelanders. Lastly, as Interstates 77, 80, and 90 are major man-made
topographical features of Cleveland, people can easily move from place to
place. The effect of these superhighways is that the steel industry of Cleveland
has a road network to transport goods across the nation. Therefore, American
citizens all over the United States can receive steel goods produced in Cleveland
factories. In summary, as a result of fertile plains, Lake Erie, and
superhighways, the culture of Cleveland, Ohio has developed in unique ways.

Assignment #4: Geography & Culture

Assignment #4: Geography & Culture

Assignment #6 - Creating a Voicethread

http://voicethread.com/#q.b146564.i769774

ELW Ning Survey
1. Did using the Ning help you learn? If yes, how? If no, why not?
2. Did you learn about how values and geography shape people's lives?
3. Did you enjoy the Ning ELW? Was it hard? Easy?
4. How will you use what you have learned?
5. Do you think your reading skills improved?
6. Do you think your writing skills improved?
7. Do you think your listening and speaking skills improved?
8. Did you read the directions to each assignment carefully? If no, why not?
9. Did you open all the links in each lesson? If no, why not?
10. Were the directions clear enough to understand each lesson?
11. Did you get enough help from teachers during class?
12. How does using the Ning to learn English compare to not using the Ning to learn
English?
13. How does the quality of your writing in the Ning compare to the quality of the
writing you do in other ESL classes?
14. Are you proud of the work of you completed in the Ning?
15. In the Ning, did you read people’s work and comment on it who were not in your
ELW section?
16. Would you like to use the Ning again in ESL classes?
17. Please leave some comments about your Ning ELW experience. This greatly helps
your teachers improve their teaching. You may write about things that you liked or
disliked. Be honest!

79%
Percentage of students who enjoyed
working on the Ning.

89%
Percentage of students who felt their English
language skills improved.

?
Why
· Better writing
· Students had more peer exposure
· Public venue
· Authentic
· Being in ESL is cool!