How to use social networking sites as a tool to support Spanish language teaching for Spanish elementary levels courses at the university level

Abstract

Social networking sites (SNSs) are one of the most important platforms in the development of information and communication technology (ICT). This technology motivated me to set the following main objective in this study: to provide guidelines for the use of SNSs to support language teaching activities. To reach that objective, this research starts with a literature review that discusses SNSs and their impact on language use, education, and language teaching. In the research methodology, quantitative and qualitative data from college students and instructors is analyzed through digital instruments. The data gathered looked for information to answer the main research question: how to use social networking sites as a tool to support Spanish language teaching activities for elementary courses at the university level? The results showed the students and instructors' perspectives about the use of SNSs to support language teaching. In general students and instructors are in favor of the use of SNSs in the language class. The guidelines give valuable tips and suggestions about how language instructors can use SNSs in their teaching activities in terms of what to consider when selecting SNSs, how to apply SNSs to activities and how to evaluate activities in SNSs.