Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Research in Teaching and Education
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Technology Meets Extensive Reading: Design of a Blended Extensive Reading Program in an EFL Context
Zeynep Yadigar Tosun, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Safiye İpek Kuru Gönen
ABSTRACT:
Extensive reading (ER) is of great value in fostering language competence and nurturing a lifelong enthusiasm for reading in a foreign/second language (L2). ER research has begun to follow an innovative path to address the evolution of learner profiles in the age of technology transformed into the digital realm. To integrate technology into ER and enhance L2 learners’ reading experiences, this study was designed to provide a comprehensive and systematic blended ER program for tertiary level English as a foreign language (EFL) learners in a higher education context. Rooted in the core ER principles and features of an EFL context, the blended ER program aimed at encouraging learners to read various types of digital texts within their interests and current proficiency levels. Considering the ER and blended learning research, the design of the blended ER program used the advantages of online and face-to-face learning elements. The online component of this ER program included learning management systems such as Google Classroom and Padlet to provide learners with a virtual library with open-access digital reading resources and a virtual reading log. The face-to-face aspect of blended learning was also pivotal since it fostered an environment conducive to increased interaction and collaboration. Thus, the blended ER program incorporated face-to-face meetings in which learners shared their reading experiences through interactive follow-up tasks under teacher guidance. This study presents the details of the blended ER program regarding the participants’ ideas and proposes suggestions on how to integrate it effectively into EFL contexts.
Keywords: blended extensive L2 reading program, blended learning, digital L2 reading, extensive reading in L2 contexts, technology integration