THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA TO LEARN ENGLISH IN YOUNG LEARNERS

Abstract

This action research was developed in a private school in Ecuador. It aimed to explore how social media could foster students’ English skills. Due to the pandemic caused by Covid-19, all the exploration was online. The participants were students from 13 to 15 years old. Internet access and technological gadgets were essential aspects during this learning process because they allowed the students to learn and practice the target language differently. The students’ English level was A1 according to the diagnostic test they took at the beginning of the school year. The data was collected through pre and post-surveys, pre and post-tests, and rubrics. During this process, there were online sessions where the participants interacted with international students from some countries around the world to practice their English skills. As a result, the participants acquired more vocabulary and improved their interaction, accuracy, and writing organization. Furthermore, they manifested how useful was to include social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as part of their English lessons.