Facebook as a Platform for EFL Learning: Critical Literacy in Social Networking Websites

Abstract

Using Web 2.0 technologies like Social Networking has become an integral part of learning in many classes. This study tried to observe the effect of applying Critical Literacy in two classes, a conventional class at a university and an online class on Facebook as an example of a Social Networking websites. Findings proved that learners in the conventional class developed the three skills of questioning taken-for-granted concepts and redefining them, problem posing, offering solutions and suggestions. Results also revealed that students gained more motivation and improved their self-efficacy. Learners of the Facebook group showed similar skills and benefited from more improvement in their motivation and self-efficacy. Moreover, they showed signs of developing in the ability of reflecting on thoughts and comments far more than the other group. They also reported their increased empathy and tolerance because of the treatment.