English Language Learning in the Digital Age: Learner Perspectives

Abstract

This paper pertains to an investigation into Indian ESL learners’ perspectives on the role of social networking sites in learning English as a second language.  Data was collected from 58 respondents via an offline survey and personal interview of a few participants in the study.  The data thus collected was coded and analysed thematically. The study found that the use of social networking sites is a general tendency among the present day generation of students who are technology-friendly and that English is the most commonly used language for communication over these social networking forums. The participants were able to articulate their views regarding their usage pattern of Internet, their most common purposes of using web resources and the utilisation of social networking sites such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for improving their communication skills in English language. The findings of the study also indicate that learners’ level of proficiency in English language improved significantly due to their use of web resources and that communication over the social networking sites influences the development of their linguistic abilities in English language. The study has found that the participants are technology-friendly as majority of them are using smartphones and web resources and mobile applications effectively. The outcome of this study serves as a predictor of future trends in digital learning. The study becomes significant in the light of the growing tendency among students to use technology for self-learning and personality development.