Resumen

GONZALEZ BOLUDA, Mariana. Use of Blogs and Social Networks for Foreign Language Learning in a University Context. Núcleo [online]. 2012, vol.24, n.29, pp.39-57. ISSN 0798-9784.

This article describes the potential of using blogs and social networks as tools to foster autonomous learning and student motivation in language learning. Some experiences of the implementation of these resources in higher education are presented. These experiences, carried out with several groups of basic and intermediate students of Spanish and French as foreign languages, have shown that the use of these tools contributes to promoting students’ autonomous learning while providing a higher degree of motivation. We have based our study on the theory of Connectivism and the methodology associated with Learning Communities, which, according to Laviña and Mengual (2008), encourage student creativity and develop the spontaneous and playful dimension of learning. We also explore the pedagogical value of these tools for language learning as a way of promoting collaborative work and student interaction, and conclude that their use generates a climate of confidence that fosters collaboration and develops the new role of students as autonomous yet participative agents, generators of ideas, content and learning.

Palabras clave : blogs; social networks; language learning; motivation; autonomy.

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