EURASIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED LINGUISTICS

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Use of Padlet Application in Saudi Context: Students' Perception and Classroom Application

Atheer Khalid Alhadi
Jouf University
Abdelrahim Hamid Mugaddam
Jouf University
Keywords: Writing Skills, Padlet Application, Learners’ Perception, Saudi Arabia. ,

Abstract

The Padlet technological tool, which encourages collaborative learning, is used in teaching and learning writing skills. This study aimed to examine the use of the Padlet application in developing writing skills among Saudi EFL students at university level, focusing on students’ perceptions of utilizing Padlet as a platform for language learning in general and teaching writing in particular. With a quantitative approach, this study conducted a four-week training on Padlet tool for teaching writing at the English Language Department, Jouf University, in the academic year 2021–2022. The participants were 30 EFL learners at tertiary level, distributed equally into two groups: experimental and control. A pre-test was given at the beginning of the experiment to assess the writing skills of the students in two groups. The experimental group was given various tasks to practice writing using Padlet, while the control group was asked to practice the same task following traditional methods. A post-test followed in which both groups assessed their writing development. The experiment ended with a closed-ended questionnaire to the experimental group to find out their perceptions of using Padlet in learning writing. A t-test was utilized to find out the mean scores of the two groups in the pre-test and the post-test. The results revealed considerable differences in writing performance between the two groups, with the experimental group achieving better outcomes. Moreover, the research findings showed that the students have positive perceptions of utilizing Padlet as an educational tool to develop writing skills. The study recommends the use of Padlet for teaching English in Saudi schools and universities besides conducting further studies on using Padlet for teaching listening, speaking, and reading.