Learning in the Digital Era: Science Education Students’ Perception on the SNSs Use in the Context of English for Specific Course

Abstract

Social Networking Services (SNSs) have influenced many aspects of life, including education and English as Foreign Language (EFL) teaching. Many studies have shown various kinds of SNSs applied in foreign language pedagogy. However, the research on the integration of SNSs in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is limited. We collaborated with three lecturers of ESP who used Facebook, WhatsApp, and Youtube when they taught 8 classes of a science education program in one higher education institution in Indonesia. This mix-method study, survey and interview, explored the use of SNSs for both educational purposes, especially English for specific purposes. There were 311 respondents for the survey and 8 participants for the interview. The findings of this research showed that most participants were familiar with various kinds. This study also informed the high Mean (M) of positive statements regarding the use of SNSs in ESP course for science education students. There were more benefits than problems informed in the interview sessions reflecting that SNSs have potential impacts to improve higher education especially in foreign language classes. Some implications for instructors, policy makers, and researchers are recommended