E-practices in developing community in online ESL learning environment

Abstract

Arguably, online language teaching and learning entails developing and sustaining community. Online community can serve as a rich source for opportunities for language learning and language use, and ensure persistence of language learners in the online environment. Given that bringing a language class online does not necessarily develop community, this study investigated how a community was developed in an online English as a Second Language (ESL) learning environment. Specifically, the e-practices of one online teacher and 25 ESL learners populating a microsite in MyLinE (Malaysia Online Resources for Learning in English) were explored using interviews, teaching journals, observations, online documents, and surveys. Evidence suggested that the community was developed due to the prevalence of self-disclosure in the online learning environment where the affordances of the online forums were tapped in providing a range of opportunities for self-disclosure to develop shared repository and nurture social connections.