This paper analyzes the didactic effects of SM in EFL learning and teaching, with specific reference to a few recent Instagram accounts, in order to define their possible integration in language teaching practices. After dealing with some of the challenges the educator may encounter while engaging in the process – motivation and distraction, abundance of online material and facilities lack, controlled learning and privacy – SNS classroom integration is finally considered alongside Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory, in order to highlight its main educational potentialities and challenges. While being aware of the fact that the concept of Gardner’s intelligences differs from its practical application in the classroom – that is, considering the potential of a student’s musical capacity is different from the selection of didactic tasks adopted to develop that skill – the article proposes an examination of how learning styles related to SM use can help students’ intellectual strengths and capacities. Second language learning, in fact, can be developed by using a variety of tasks which call upon different intelligences, and Gardner’s research has shown that learners will make greater progress if they can exploit their areas of strength to master materials.
"Teaching ELT in the Age of Social Media: New Trends and Evolving Perspectives”,
Tania Zulli
2023-01-01
Abstract
This paper analyzes the didactic effects of SM in EFL learning and teaching, with specific reference to a few recent Instagram accounts, in order to define their possible integration in language teaching practices. After dealing with some of the challenges the educator may encounter while engaging in the process – motivation and distraction, abundance of online material and facilities lack, controlled learning and privacy – SNS classroom integration is finally considered alongside Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory, in order to highlight its main educational potentialities and challenges. While being aware of the fact that the concept of Gardner’s intelligences differs from its practical application in the classroom – that is, considering the potential of a student’s musical capacity is different from the selection of didactic tasks adopted to develop that skill – the article proposes an examination of how learning styles related to SM use can help students’ intellectual strengths and capacities. Second language learning, in fact, can be developed by using a variety of tasks which call upon different intelligences, and Gardner’s research has shown that learners will make greater progress if they can exploit their areas of strength to master materials.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
