Social media as a new gateway to digital literacy in EAP classrooms: a study among students and English teachers of tertiary level in Dhaka

Abstract

Digital literacy—which refers to the knowledge, skills, and behaviors involving the effective use of digital devices (such as smartphones,tablets, laptops and desktop PCs) for communication, collaboration and advocacy—has become a crucial factor in academic purposes as well. The use of digital literacy at EAP (English for Academic Purposes) classrooms is gaining gradual popularity. Teachers are adopting different ways to evaluate EAP classrooms. If we think about social media as a form of digital literacy in the English language classrooms, we find teachers using Facebook, twitter, viber, WhatsApp etc. to facilitate learning besides textbooks and regular forms of instructions. The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether and to what extent social media is being used by teachers and students at the tertiary level as a tool of ICT inside and outside the classrooms. The study also investigated teachers’ attitudes and skills in the usage of social media as a supportive/alternative tool in teaching. This study finally provides a guideline for the students and teachers both about the usage of social media in digital literacy in English classroom. This study also provided an overview of the current state of the situation and students feedback on their learning, expectations. The level of expertise of instructors in dealing with social media was also evaluated.