Attitudes of learners at the Arabic Language Institute at King Abdulaziz University towards Online Collaborative Writing during Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study aims to examine learners’ attitudes at the Arabic Language Institute at King Abdulaziz University towards online collaborative writing during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The study was conducted in the first semester of the academic year 2021/2022. The study participants are students from the language Institute of King Abdul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia. Forty-three students (19 males and 24 females) constituted the study population. The researcher administered a 30-item questionnaire. The results revealed that the participants held positive attitudes towards utilizing online collaborative writing activities. Moreover, they enjoyed the experience and considered online collaborative activities to be worthwhile experience. Additionally, they indicated that it improved their fluency and accuracy in writing and vocabulary use. However, they listed some challenges like lack of time and lack of equal participation from all participants. Finally, the researcher concluded with some recommendations.

The Benefits of Padlet in Online Writing Retreats

“…Deni and Zainal (2018) Padlet has proven effective in improving students' writing skills. Alwaleedi (2022) examined students' attitudes towards using Padlet for online collaborative writing activities at the Arabic Language Institute in Saudi Arabia. The results showed that students had an overall positive attitude, and demonstrated Padlet's ability to foster brainstorming, collaborative report writing, and overall writing competency through peer editing (Alwaleedi, 2022).…”

“…Alwaleedi (2022) examined students' attitudes towards using Padlet for online collaborative writing activities at the Arabic Language Institute in Saudi Arabia. The results showed that students had an overall positive attitude, and demonstrated Padlet's ability to foster brainstorming, collaborative report writing, and overall writing competency through peer editing (Alwaleedi, 2022). Padlet's basic editing and plagiarism prevention tools, along with the option for public or private boards, ensure privacy and a conducive environment for online discussions (Simon & Fierro, 2023).…”

“…. Alwaleedi (2022) discovered that providing relevant materials on Padlet enabled students to obtain vital support throughout the writing process to improve their writing skills. .…”