ENGAGING WITH EDMODO TO TEACH ENGLISH WRITING OF NARRATIVE TEXTS TO EFL STUDENTS

Abstract

This experimental research aimed to explore the effect of teaching English writing of narrative texts by using Edmodo learning media through blended learning on the tenth-grade students in one of the senior high schools in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. It further looks into the students’ responses on the use of this media in learning English writing of narrative text. To study the development of the students’ writing before and after using Edmodo learning media in the classroom, the writing tests were given to the students. The data were gained quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative data were collected from the pre-test, treatments for three class meetings and the post-test, while the qualitative data was collected through the open-ended questionnaire which was distributed to the students after the treatments were done. Statistical formulas were used to calculate the mean, standard deviation, and t-test for the students’ pre-test and post-test scores. The hand coding and computer coding were used to analyze the data from the questionnaire. The results from the analysis of quantitative data showed that there was an improvement in students’ writing of narrative texts; their scores improved from the pre-test to the post-test after treatments with Edmodo were done. Furthermore, the analysis of the questionnaire revealed a majority of positive responses from the students. Those who negatively responded towards the use of this online learning media said that it was due to the necessity of the Internet connection and computers, laptops or mobile phones to operate Edmodo. Not all students have the privilege of possessing such devises and the Internet quota can also be costly. Thus, they recommended the school to provide them with free access to the Internet and computers should learning by using this media is to be continued in the future. Keywords: Blended learning, Edmodo, EFL students, English writing, narrative texts.