The socially networked language learner

Implications for tertiary language education

Abstract

This paper investigates tertiary language students’ experiences of the social networking site Facebook for out-of-class language exposure. It draws on the findings of a larger study on the use of Facebook for informal language learning, and focuses on 1) the connections between language students and their native speaker Facebook friends, 2) students’ digital writing practices and 3) students’ perceptions of the value of informal learning on Facebook as opposed to classroom based formal study. The findings of the study indicate a disconnect between informal and formal learning practices and suggestions will be provided to bridge this gap.