SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
Writing is one of the language skills which include many activities to do. Stephens (1986:2) states that students, teachers, and professional writers or editors must have an ability to write and to have knowledge about it. It means that writing is a crucial skill to acquire. Moreover, Hedge (2000:301) specifies the function of writing for the students by stating:
When students write, they are engaged in the composing experience itself. In other words, they are learning to write through writing.
There is no doubt that writing is difficult skill for second language learners to master. The difficult problem lies not only in generating and organizing ideas, but also in translating these ideas into readable text. The skills involved in writing are highly complex. Second language learners have to pay attention to skills of spelling, punctuation, word choice as well as skills of planning and organizing. Dealing with this, a teacher has to have any creativity and ways to make students having a lot of practice. From a thousand ways, technology is a good device to force our students to write.
We live in the age when technology takes an important role in our daily activity. According to Dudeney and Hockly(2007:7), technology has taken a role in every aspect of life for decades, including in language teaching . Tape recorder, language laboratories and videos have been in use since the 1960s and 1970s, and are still used in classrooms around the world. Computer-based materials for language teaching appeared in 1980.
Now, there are growing demands on almost everyone, including teachers, to become technologically literate. Internet is to be the most significant development in communication tools. The use of internet in the classroom is becoming increasingly important. One program to improve English skills is the use of the internet, in this case a facebook, as a part of teaching learning strategy.
A facebook is a social network that gives users the chance to connect with other people. Among other social networks, it becomes the most popular one in recent days, especially for teenagers. A facebook has given a broader link to the teenagers to socialize and actualize themselves. No wonder that they always update their status in minutes. Moreover, it is supported by celluler-phone which can connect to internet easily.
Why is a facebook so popular ? One of the reasons is by a facebook people can socialize to others freely. As a social creature, we need to actualize ourselves as a part of communication and relationship. As Teeler said (Teeler:2000):
The internet is a network of people and information, linked together by telephone lines which are connected to computers. In fact, more than 100,000 independent networks – public and private- are currently connected to form this vast global communication system. This is the ‘road’ of the information superhighway.
Originally, a facebook was created as a way for students at a particular college or university to find and connect with each another. In fact, when a facebook launched, only those people with a verified college e-mail address were permitted to sign up. After the success of the university-only model, a facebook opened its doors to high school students in the United States as well. High school students don’t have e-mail addresses to verify which high school they attend; therefore, a facebook has a fairly complicated system that relies on students verifying one another before gaining access to a particular high school network. A facebook took off in high schools with such momentum that a facebook next opened its doors to workplace networks. Workplace networks followed the same model as the college networks — in order to join, you had to sign up with a verified e-mail address, this time, from a particular corporation. Therefore, workplace networks existed only for the companies big enough to offer its employees e-mail addresses, such as Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and others.
Finally, in the fall of 2004, rather than opening any more doors, a facebook just knocked down its walls. Today, anyone with any e-mail address is welcome to join the Facebook party. Now, it is to be one of the most popular site in the world. Based on http://socialblade.com/2010/06/13/fb.facts/ :
- 400,000,000 people log into their profile at least once a month
- Half of those people log in every day.
- 70% of Facebook users live outside of the US.
- Only Google gets more traffic.
- 8,300,000,000 hours are spent on Facebook monthly.
- The fastest growing demographic in America on Facebook: Women 55+.
- Psychologists identified a new mental health disorder, FAD, Facebook Addiction Disorder!!
SECTION 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE
1. The Definition of Writing
Stephen (1986:2) states that the communication of our thought through the medium of written language is called writing. Thus, it can be said that writing is a way to express someone’s ideas in writing form. Hedge (2000:302) supports the statement above by stating that the result of employing strategies to manage the composing process is called writing, which is one of gradually developing a text. Hedge states that writing involves a number of activities: setting goals, generating ideas, organizing information, selecting appropriate language, making a draft, reading and reviewing the draft, then revising and editing it. Therefore, writing is included in one of language skills owned by someone in expressing one’s thoughts. In addition, Hedge (2002:301) states that when a student is involved in the process of writing in class, he or she is engaged in the composing experience itself. Thus, it can be said that through writing, the students learns to write. Writing is one of four skills owned by someone to express one’s opinions, ideas, and feelings.
2. Writing skills in RSBI Curriculum
Writing skills can be defined as a skill of communicating ideas Through written symbols by organizing the ideas based on the rules of language system to convey meaning so that others can understand the message of the writer. David Nunan(1989:37) stated that successful writing involves:
a. Mastering the mechanics of letter formation.
b. Mastering and obeying convention of spelling and punctuation.
c. Using the grammatical system to convey one’s intended meaning
d. Organizing content at the level of paragraph and complete text to reflect given/new information and topic/comment structures
e. Polishing and revising one’s initial efforts.
f. Selecting an appropriate style for one’s audience.
The ability to write depends much on two aspect, they are (1) knowledge of the world, and (2) knowledge of the language. This means that it is impossible for someone to write if someone does not have knowledge of experience (concepts, ideas, etc.) to convey through writing as well as a good mastery of language components such as vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, stress, intonation, punctuation, etc.
In the context of teaching writing at SMP-RSBI level, it is important to bear in mind about standard competence in the curriculum:
Mengungkapkan makna dalam wacana tertulis interpersonal dan transaksional sederhana, bersifat interaktif dan noninteraktif, dalam situasi formal dan informal, dalam bentuk recount, narrative, procedure, descriptive, report, exposition, explanation, news items, poems, songs, dan specific functional texts (advertisements, notices, announcements, etc.) dalam konteks kehidupan sehari-hari dan yang terkait dengan matematika, sains, dan teknologi.
The underlined words are related to any aspects which are learned and taught in RSBI to differentiate to the regular curriculum. It can be concluded that the competence cannot be separated to ICT and must be related to other context, academically or non-academically.
Related to the competence standard above, teaching writing skills should use ICT as much as possible. Computer or internet is a complementary device to help students to have a practice in writing. The students can practice their skill in writing both inside and outside classroom activity by using internet. Writing e-mail or blog and then sending it to the teacher and friends are the example of the use of internet.
3. The Internet
As cited in Crystal(2006), John Naughton(1999) comments:
The Internet is one of the most remarkable things human beings
have ever made. In terms of its impact on society, it ranks with
printing , the railways, the telegraph, the automobile, electric power
and a television. Some would equate it with print and television,
the two earlier technologies which most transformed the
communication environment in which people live. Yet it is
potentially more powerful than both because it harnesses the
intellectual leverage which print gave to mankind without being
hobbled by the one-to-many nature of broadcast television.
There are many application programs such as e-mail and the World Wide World to transfer information. To connect the internet, we need to join the computer system, a normal telephone line, a modem, and an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
a. Computer
Today, almost any computer can be used to connect to the internet. The personal computer, as well as laptop or netbook have wi-fi to connect the internet instantly. But a powerful and high-speed processor is a good computer in demand. In Indonesia, especially for RSBI schools, computers which connect to internet are important devices to run school activity. It has been commonly that school area has a hot spot or an area which always connects to the internet so the school community can access information or technology easily.
b. Telephone line
A telephone line is used to transport data while we are connected to the internet. Now, one telephone line can fulfill all connection to internet. Of course, the size of telephone line can also seriously affect the quality and speed of access. Speed will be determined by several factors: the capacity of the computers, the banwidth of the Internet Service Provider and the connection we have. All of them will spend a lot of cost depend on the use. But Teeler (2000:58) said that based on the trend, it seems that the cost continues to drop and technology continues to improve, the potential of the internet as a tool for English language teaching continues to grow.
c. Modem
This is a small piece of equipment that translates the digital language the computer speaks into the analogue language used by the telephone, thereby enabling us to send and receive data. The name is shortened form of Modulate- demodulate (translation to analogue-translation to digital). Most new computers and laptop are sold with a modem already installed.
d. Internet Service Provider (ISP)
ISP is a company that acts as a toll gate between us and the internet. We must pay them an annual fee for unlimited or limited use of the Net, or monthly charges according to the amount of time we are actually connected. The company do not control the content of the internet, nor how any of it functions.
4. A facebook
A facebook connects you with the people you know and care about. It enables you to communicate, stay up-to-date, and keep in touch with friends and family anywhere. It facilitates your relationships online to help enhance them in person. Specifically, a facebook connects you with the people you know around content that is important to you. Whether you’re the type to take photos or look at them, or write about your life, or read about your friends’ lives, a facebook is designed to enable you to succeed. Maybe you like to share Web sites and news, play games, plan events, organize groups of people, or promote your business. Whatever you prefer, a facebook has covered it.
A facebook offers you control. Communication and information sharing are powerful only when you can do what you want within your comfort zone. Nearly every piece of information and means of connecting on a facebook comes with full privacy controls, allowing you to share and communicate exactly how — and with whom — you desire. A facebook welcomes everyone: students and professionals; grandchildren (as long as they’re at least age 13), parents, and grandparents; busy people; socialites; celebrities; distant friends; and roommates. No matter who you are, using a facebook can add value to your life. Results are of course typical.
5. The advantage of a facebook
Everything always has negative or weak things, but here I only state the positive ones for a facebook. Based on Pearlman and Abram(2010:11), there are some reasons why people manage ,maintain, and enhance the social connection by using a facebook, they are:
a. Getting the phone number of an old friend.
b. Finding out what your friends are up to today.
c. Making a contact in a city you’re moving to or at an office where you’re applying for a job.
d. Planning an event, tracking the guest list, and updating everyone when the time changes.
e. Garnering support for a cause.
f. Getting recommendations for movies, books, and restaurants.
g. Showing off the pictures from your latest vacation.
h. Telling your friends and family about your recent successes, showing them your photos, or letting them know you’re thinking of them.
i. Remembering everyone’s birthday.
Those are also some reasons why I choose a facebook to improve my students’ writing.
SECTION 3: THE IMPLEMENTATION
Before explaining about how I implemented the use of a facebook to improve my students writing skills, I would like to say the truth that I have not used the ICT in my class maximally. It is very beginning to my school, especially to me to use ICT literately. Maybe the implementation of the program has not gained the result maximally yet. Hopefully, after mastering the Internet for Teaching Learning Course, I can improve my ability in using ICT better, so I can transfer my knowledge also to my students.
During August,2009, there were two students from Kansas who visited my school, SMPN 2 Madiun. They spent a long holiday in Indonesia and stayed for about two weeks in Madiun. In their visiting to our school, they interacted actively to my students on 9TH grade. After they came back to their hometown, I asked my students to still keep in touch with them.
As a writing assignment, I asked my students to use a facebook since it has been used by them to share and communicate to each others. Brian and Luke, the two students from Kansas, were very happy to help me. Formally, each student should print their chat with Brian and Luke and submit it to me as their writing assignment. But of course, I also looked up the communication and the interaction in a facebook directly. So, beside I had a pile of copy from my students, I also paid attention to the content and the participation of my students by opening a facebook’site.
After the assignment collected, I took two hours of my schedule to discuss the program in class. By using LCD and internet connection, we discussed about the organization, the structure, the spelling, and the punctuation they have made in the assignment. The variation of the conversation and the diction were discussed also. The students were very enthusiastic to participate in the discussion. They felt that it was very interesting to know their weaknesses in their writing since they wanted to keep in interaction with the native speakers. I was very surprised to know that the assignment has encouraged them to be actively in interaction to English native speakers.
Here, I will give some examples of my students’ work. It’s not better scan, but I have tried hard to make the lay out clearly enough to read.
The example 1 :
Ainun MardHvah 27 Agustus jam 15:15
Hiluke...
are you busy? sorry, if i disturb you...
but... would you like to introduce yourself completely?
thanks.. I wait your reply as soon as possible
goodbye
Luke Snider 06 September jam 5:34 Laporkan
Hi Ainun. Sorry it took me a long time to respond. I am busy with school and other activities.
My name is Luke William Snider. I am 22 years old and am a student at Kansas State University. I have 3 brothers - 2 older brothers and one younger brother. We grew up on the farm with my parents. On the farm we grow many crops and raise cattle and a few sheep. My hobbies are playing basketball and reading. I greatly enjoy school and plan to be a teacher after graduating from the university.
During my time in Indonesia, I lived in Madiun for 3 weeks and In Bandung for 2 weeks. I also traveled around Lake Toba in Sumatra. I came to Indonesia to learn about the culture and the language. I also made many friends during my time there.
Can you please Introduce yourself.
Ainun MardHvah 07 September jam 20:55
ttfs ok if you can respond my letter on time, i know that you are so busy.
Well, my name is Ainun Mardliyah, you can call me ainun or diyah, I'm 15 years old, and I'm
student of SMPN 2 Madiun. I have 1 older sister and 1 younger brother. I live in madiun city and
my hobby is reading comic especially Japanese comic. I want to be Japanese teacher.
so, you want to be teacher and what is the majors? english teacher? why do you want to be a teacher?
Luke Snider 08 September 1am 1:14 Laporkan
I want to be a middle school or high school teacher of social studies (government, history, economics, and geography). I also thought about teaching English overseas. I want to be a teacher so I can be a positive influence on young minds. I want to help students learn and grow in good character.
Etc.etc
Here, from Ainun’s site, I knew that she had a good arrangement in her writing, but she had a lot of mistake in spelling and punctuation. So I suggested her to pay attention to this. The blue color is something that we have discussed in class to make her knowing the mistakes.
The example 2 :
Zufita Wahidatur Rohmah- August2009at 1:09pm
Hello Emily Wallace...
I'm Fita. I live in Madiun, Indonesia. I'm one of Mrs. Fitri's student. Do you know Mrs. Fitri? I have a task to know more about you, so I need your help. Would you like to help me to finish my task? I wait your reply as soon as possible. Thank you very much. See you Emily....
Emily Wallace August 20 at 10:09pm
Hello Fita,
Yes Mrs.Fitri gave me a list of students who are involved in this assignment. I am glad I can help you with this project!
What grade are you in? Tell me if I say anything you don't understand while we communicate.
I look forward to talking with you!
Emily
-Zufita Wahidatur Rohmah- August 24 at 10:19am
Thank you,
Now, I'm in 9 grade.
Where do you study Emily?
Can you tell me about your school in Kansas?
Emily Wallace August 26 at 4:07am
I am studying at Kansas State University. This college is in a town called Manhattan, Kansas. It is a state college which means that it a cheaper to come here. I am studying Business Management. I am done with school in May. Kansas State University (or KSU) has over 20,000 students. The campus is very beautiful. I live in housing on campus so it doesn't take me long to walk to class. A lot of people come to college when they graduate from High School. With a college degree, you are able to get better jobs and better pay. A big thing at college in the United States is sports. KSU has a famous football team. I should clarify that this is American football, not soccer (like Manchester United). I know some parts of the world call that football, but we would call them soccer. Anyways, our football team used to be very good.
Recently, they haven't been playing good but it is still fun to go to the games. The football games are one of my favorite things in college.
There are also many opportunities to get involved in campus organizations. These organizations might be something to do with your major or interest. I work on campus. My job is to help other students academically, socially, and personally. I love my job. I am also involved in a group that helps students grow in their faith.
Do you like school? I noticed during my time there in Madiun mat you students work very hard, with very little holiday! We have a 3 month holiday in June, July and August every year. Plus 4 weeks in December/January!
What subjects do you enjoy most?
-Zufita Wahidatur Rohmah- August 26 at 12:44pm #
Yes, i like school.
because in school i can get many friend and knowledge.
In school, i like "IT" subject..... Do you like IT?
In my opinion, IT is a fun subject. You know why? because IT is one our necessity to be a success people in future.
( Are you enjoy live in housing on campus? Why you/choose to living in housing on campus? I think live with our family is better.
Emilv Wallace August 27 at 11:15pm
What is IT? Here in the states it stands for "Information Technology" so like computers and things like that. Is it the same there?
I love living on campus. I live in a building with 500 other women! We share a room with one other person, called our "roommate". I love that I am constantly surronded by other people so there is always something to do or someone to talk with. Living in on campus housing also puts you closer to class so you don't have to walk as far!
I enjoy living with my family too. In the US, once you are 18 it is normal to move out of the house. If I went to college in my hometown of Wichita I would probably still live at home till I was 22 (the age most people graduate college) but since my college is 2 hours from my home, I cannot live with my family. I do live with them when I go home for holidays.
-Zufita Wahidatur Rohmah- September 2 at 12:13pm
yes, IT is Information and Technology. Where is the interesting place in your country?Etc. etc
Zufita is one of my best students in writing both in English and in Indonesia. But Here she still made mistakes in punctuation. She ignored to write in a correct way. Her various dialogues showed us that she tended to express her feeling. In her following site( sorry, I don’t put here), she told a lot about her future and her hope in her study. And she could deliver her opinion well.
The note: The blue color is the mistakes that we discussed in the class
The example 3:
Etc.etc.
Yusuf, a naughty but brave boy, he was very creative in asking opinion. His topic seemed rather to frighten me, but he could handle the opinion well. Fortunately, Brian is a wise boy, he could insist Yusuf to express his opinion. Here Yusuf had a long interaction to Brian (I only state a part of it), But unfortunately Yusuf ignored the punctuation. He told that he knows the right one but he forgot to apply in his sentences He has to do better later.
The example 4 :
Arme is a shy girl but she has a strong willing to chat with a foreigner. She has done well the interaction but she has to pay attention to the spelling and the punctuation.
The example 5 :
Actually there are 26 students in 9A, all have submitted their work, but I cannot state or put all here, it’s rather difficult to scan their works in a file. Sorry.
SECTION 4: CONCLUSION
A. SUGGESTION
Based on the implementation above, it’s better if the teacher prepares the task well. Teacher has to make sure that students do progression in the task. Teacher also has to be able to encourage students to practice a lot. Next, before applying one task, a teacher should give the outline of the objectives and the instructional material. That will make students knowing the purpose of the task. It is suggested while assessing the students’ work, teacher also gives comment in their paper. It needs much braveness to show the expression to foreigners. So, always appreciate the braveness that the students have shown. The last, it will make better if a teacher make a simple questionnaire or a checklist to know the students’ response.
B. CONCLUSION
There are many ways to make the students improving the writing skills. Technology like a computer and internet can be used to have a lot of practice. A facebook, the most popular site toward teenagers can be the best media to force the students to write, to express, and to actualize themselves based on the assignment given by the teacher.
REFERENCES
- Crystal D.2006.Language and Internet.Cambridge University Press.
- Dirjen Mandispendamen.2006.Kurikulum SMP-SBI.Jakarta :Direktorat Pembinaan SMP
- Dudeney G,Hockly N.2007.How to teach English with Technology.Essex:Pearson Ed.Limited.
- Hedge, Tricia.2000.Teaching and Learning in the Language Classroom. NewYork: Oxford University Press.
- Nunan,David.1993.Designing Tasks for Communicative Classroom.Cambridge: Cambride University.
- Pearlman L,Abram C.2010.Facebook for Dummies,2nd Edition.Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing.Inc.
- Stephens,Rory D.1986. Sequence: A basic Writing Course.USA : Holt,Rhinehart and Winston,Inc.
- Teeler D, Gray P.2000.Use the Internet
I'm planning to apply for an online course. Do you think it's a great idea? I've read that there are many E-learning development advantages that I can get from learning online. Thanks.
BalasHapus