Teaching English in the Age of Social Media: Challenges and Innovations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36526/sosioedukasi.v14i1.5412Keywords:
social media, English language teaching, digital learning, student engagement, teacher preparednessAbstract
This study explores using social media as an innovative tool for teaching English in resource-limited secondary schools. In the face of technological disparities and limited educational resources, particularly in underfunded or remote areas, integrating platforms such as WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok presents an engaging and accessible approach to enhance English language instruction. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and classroom observations involving English teachers and students in Samarinda, Indonesia. Findings show that social media increases student motivation, participation, and comprehension through authentic content and multimodal interaction. Teachers observed that learners responded positively to creative, structured activities delivered via social platforms. However, significant challenges were identified, including unequal access to the internet and devices, digital distractions, and insufficient teacher training in educational technology. Despite these barriers, both teachers and students acknowledged the potential of social media to enrich the language learning process when supported by effective instructional strategies. The study recommends teacher training on digital pedagogy, infrastructure improvement, and the development of clear guidelines for integrating social media into formal education. Ultimately, the research contributes valuable insights into how familiar digital tools can support English language learning in contexts where traditional resources are scarce
References
Abdel, O., Sadeq, R., Kaur, M., & Singh, M. (2025). The Impact Of Using Youtube On Improving EFL Undergraduate Speaking Skills In Jordan The Impact Of Using Youtube On Improving EFL Undergraduate Speaking Skills In Jordan. July 2024.
Ahmed, B. E. S. (2020). Social media in teaching of languages. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 15(12), 72–80. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i12.12645
Al-Qaysi, N., Mohamad-Nordin, N., & Al-Emran, M. (2020). A Systematic Review of Social Media Acceptance From the Perspective of Educational and Information Systems Theories and Models. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 57(8), 2085–2109. https://doi.org/10.1177/0735633118817879
Al-Rahmi, W. M., & Zeki, A. M. (2017). A model of using social media for collaborative learning to enhance learners’ performance on learning. Journal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences, 29(4), 526–535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksuci.2016.09.002
Al-Sharqi, L., Kutbi, I., & Hashim, K. (2016). Faculty Perceptions of Social Media as a Teaching and Learning Tool. 5(1), 65–88. https://doi.org/10.2991/icassr-15.2016.75
Alenezi, W., & Brinthaupt, T. M. (2022). The Use of Social Media as a Tool for Learning: Perspectives of Students in the Faculty of Education at Kuwait University. Contemporary Educational Technology, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/11476
Allam, M., & Elyas, T. (2016). Perceptions of Using Social Media as an ELT Tool among EFL Teachers in the Saudi Context. English Language Teaching, 9(7), 1. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v9n7p1
Alshabeb, A. M. (2020). The potential of using mobile social media applications for language learning: A case study in Saudi higher education. https://wlv.openrepository.com/handle/2436/623768%0Ahttps://wlv.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/2436/623768/Alshabeb_Phd_thesis__Redacted.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Ansari, J. A. N., & Khan, N. A. (2020). Exploring the role of social media in collaborative learning the new domain of learning. Smart Learning Environments, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-020-00118-7
Anwas, E. O. M., Sugiarti, Y., Permatasari, A. D., Warsihna, J., Anas, Z., Alhapip, L., Siswanto, H. W., & Rivalina, R. (2020). Social media usage for enhancing english language skill. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 14(7), 41–57. https://doi.org/10.3991/IJIM.V14I07.11552
Boy Jon, R., Embong, R., Purnama, B., & Safar Wadi, A. (2021). The Challenges of English Language Teaching in Indonesia. International Journal of English and Applied Linguistics (IJEAL), 1(3), 158–168. https://doi.org/10.47709/ijeal.v1i3.1157
Chun, D., Smith, B., & Kern, R. (2016). Technology in Language Use, Language Teaching, and Language Learning. Modern Language Journal, 100, 64–80. https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.12302
Creswell, J. W., & Angeles, L. (2011). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Reserch. 1–443.
D’Souza, K., Henningham, L., Zou, R., Huang, J., O’Sullivan, E., Last, J., & Ho, K. (2017). Attitudes of health professional educators toward the use of social media as a teaching tool: Global cross-sectional study. JMIR Medical Education, 3(2), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.2196/mededu.6429
ERARSLAN, A. (2021). English language teaching and learning during Covid-19: A global perspective on the first year. Journal of Educational Technology and Online Learning, 4(2), 349–367. https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.907757
García Quijano, M. J. (2014). Innovations in learning technologies for English language teaching. In Pulso. Revista de educación (Issue 37). https://doi.org/10.58265/pulso.5209
Guan, N., Song, J., & Li, D. (2018). On the advantages of computer multimedia-aided English teaching. Procedia Computer Science, 131, 727–732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2018.04.317
Hikmah, N., & Aimah, S. (2025). Analysis of Leadership Styles in Islamic Education Institutions : Tracing the Typology and Practice in the Midst of Crisis and Global Trends. 8, 436–449.
Jandrić, P., Hayes, D., Truelove, I., Levinson, P., Mayo, P., Ryberg, T., Monzó, L. D., Allen, Q., Stewart, P. A., Carr, P. R., Jackson, L., Bridges, S., Escaño, C., Grauslund, D., Mañero, J., Lukoko, H. O., Bryant, P., Fuentes-Martinez, A., Gibbons, A., … Hayes, S. (2020). Teaching in the Age of Covid-19. Postdigital Science and Education, 2(3), 1069–1230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42438-020-00169-6
Jurado, R. G., Pettersson, T., Christie, M., Seoane, F., & Sigren, P. (2010). Training Teachers in E-Learning Without Internet Access. 2Nd International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies(Edulearn10), July, 6336–6341.
Kircher, N., & Kircher, N. (2024). COGNITIVE LEARNING STRATEGIES AND CANDIDATES IN TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS: A PHENOMENOLOGY.
Raffaghelli, J. E., & Manca, S. (2019). Is there a social life in open data? The case of open data practices in educational technology research. Publications, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/publications7010009
Simanjuntak, U. S., Silalahi, D. E., Sihombing, P. S. R., & Purba, L. (2021). Students’ Perceptions of Using Youtube As English Online Learning Media During Covid-19 Pandemic. Journal of Languages and Language Teaching, 9(2), 150. https://doi.org/10.33394/jollt.v9i2.3567
Sofi-Karim, M., Bali, A. O., & Rached, K. (2023). Online education via media platforms and applications as an innovative teaching method. Education and Information Technologies, 28(1), 507–523. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11188-0
Ubaedillah, U., Pratiwi, D. I., Huda, S. T., & Kurniawan, D. A. (2021). An Exploratory Study of English Teachers: The Use of Social Media for Teaching English on Distance Learning. IJELTAL (Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics), 5(2), 361. https://doi.org/10.21093/ijeltal.v5i2.753
Warrick, A. (2021). Strategies for Reducing Cognitive Overload in the Online Language Learning Classroom. International Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 1(2), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.33422/ijsfle.v1i2.124
Weinmann, M., Neilsen, R., & Cabezas Benalcázar, C. (2024). Languaging and language awareness in the global age 2020–2023: digital engagement and practice in language teaching and learning in (post-)pandemic times. Language Awareness, 33(2), 347–364. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658416.2023.2236025
WilliamsWilliams, R. T. (2020). (2020). An Exploration into the Pedagogical Benefits of Using Social Media: Can Educators Incorporate Social Media into Pedagogy Successfully? ABC Journal of Advanced Research, 9(2), 69–78. https://doi.org/10.18034/abcjar.v9i2.532
Yuan Ju. (1970). Exploring Chinese Social Media in Internasional Language Management for Museum Industry Training. 151. https://wlv.openrepository.com/handle/2436/623768%0Ahttps://wlv.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/2436/623768/Alshabeb_Phd_thesis__Redacted.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=
.png)
