Use of the social network "Facebook" as a tool to strengthen English language learning

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of Social Network Sites (SNSs) such as Facebook in English learning in the Agroindustrial Training Centre La Angostura (CEFA), in Campoalegre, Huila (Colombia). The National Apprenticeship Service (SENA) utilizes a tool, Learning Management System (LMS) that allows managed vocational training, apprentices (as students may be properly called) must show their work by sending their assignments through this platform; however in the internet in the Training Centre is very limited and can be erratic. LMS contains modules to carry out activities such as chatting, video conferencing, among other functional tools, but the problem of connectivity makes the platform unattractive for apprentices and its architecture. Thus, it is used only when assigned. The research is active participation, correlational, qualitative, quantitative and descriptive. The methodology was developed first through a characterization of the apprentices who are at a technical level to determine the use of SNSs sites like Facebook and their level of English. Considering that 100% of the trainees in the program selected for the test belong to the social network and 70% were in daily contact with the network, it was decided to engage apprentices in chat rooms, using pictures, videos and comments on the timelines with two more programs. The findings were positive. A satisfaction survey was conducted, whereas 100% of the trainees participated in the activities proposed in the social network, one of the most successful activities was chatting, additionally apprentices used the Timeline comments freely and spontaneously. It is important to conclude that a negative aspect in the use of Facebook has been how dependent apprentices are upon automatic translators, limiting the actual production of English, something that is necessary to reflect on the matter and propose solutions.