INTEGRATION OF FACEBOOK MESSENGER IN THE ENGLISH LITERATURE CLASSROOM: LEARNERS’ ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate learners’ attitudes and perceptions toward the integration of online discussion forum via Facebook Messenger into the EFL/ literature classroom.  Methodology: For this research, a convenience sampling method was used to collect 45 samples through a questionnaire to gauge learners’ attitudes and perceptions of using the online discussion forum for learning the literature from those who are incorporated for group discussions on the course’s prescribed novel, Lord of the Flies. The research data was analyzed for descriptive statistics using SPSS version 20. Main Findings: The results of the experimental study revealed that the respondents’ positive attitudes towards the integration of ODF (Overall Mean = 4.03, SD = 0.84) and perceptions on the effects of online discussion forum on learning the novel were revealed (Overall Mean = 3.99, SD = 0.87). Thus, this study proposes an online discussion forum as an invaluable element to enhance the teaching of the literature component in the EFL classroom. Applications: This study proposes ODF as an invaluable element to enhance the teaching of the literature component in the EFL/ ESL classroom based on the learners’ positive attitudes and perceptions. It is conducted at the University of Anbar in Iraq. Undergraduate EFL learners who were enrolled in the English language course at the Department of English, College of Education for Humanities participated in the study. It can be used by literary students, from universities and other literary centers. Novelty: Industrial revolution 4.0 requires a shift from face-to-face lecture approach to a technology-enhanced environment whereby learners can take responsibility for their own learning through collaboration, critical discussion, and negotiation. Taking up this challenge, online discussion forum (ODF) via Facebook Messenger was first introduced into the EFL literature classroom at the University of Anbar, Iraq to replace the predominantly used traditional approach