Using Blogs to Facilitate Interactive and Effective Learning: Perceptions of Pre-service Arabic Teachers

This study had three primary aims; (i) to explore pre-service Arabic language teachers' perceptions of using the blog as a learning tool, (ii) to identify the defects of collaborating via the blog, and (iii) to modify the use of blogs to facilitate more effective learning. Semi-structured interviews with 14 pre-service teachers in addition to analyzing postings on the course blog were the used methods for collecting data. The results showed that the participants perceived the course blog as a powerful application to enhance their learning through facilitating active interaction with the instructor, peers and course content. However, the results also indicated a number of challenges and defects associated with the blog use for instructional purposes. Discussion of these defects was explored, and suggestions for effective use of blogs were provided.