A Social Media Based Learning System: An Investigation on the use of the Line Application for Teaching and Learning English Vocabulary and Grammar at a Thai Public University

Abstract

The use of social networking tools within education is an area of increasing interest and one that lacks an extensive volume of previous research. Social networking tools have proven to be useful for language learning and practice. The use of such tools may prove beneficial in countries such as Thailand where students lack a strong background in English. In addition, the use of social networking applications in education may provide a simple way to teach outside of the classroom and provide students some flexibility in their learning. This study examines whether the Line social networking/short messaging application could be effectively used in conjunction with a spaced repetition approach to teach hospitality related English grammar and vocabulary outside of a traditional classroom. The participants of this study were 101 hospitality major students taking an English course at Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep. The Line application was used as part of a blended learning course. Data was collected using a questionnaire, focus group interviews, pre and post English tests and observations. The results of the differences between the pre and post-tests suggested that students in the experimental group had higher grammar and vocabulary acquisition and retention levels when compared to the control group. The study also found students were satisfied with using the Line application as part of a blended learning course. The findings from this study suggest the Line application when used with a spaced repetition approach has potential as a tool for learning English. The method outlined in this study is relatively simple to reproduce and could be adapted by English instructors throughout the world.