Towards Digital Engagement – Exploring Academic Writing Conferencing and Collaborative Writing Using Google Docs

Abstract

Academic writing is a complex process for learners as they are required to transfer their thoughts into writing not only by using correct language but also formatting. When the world was struck by the Covid-19 pandemic, learning is migrated to online platforms. Instructors need to search for the best pedagogy to ensure the process of teaching and learning is not disrupted. Web 2.0 tools is perceived to be an ideal resource to assist instructors in teaching academic writing. Online writing tools like Google Docs are immediately integrated into the educational settings due to its vast values and potentials in assisting learners to learn within online environment. This paper presents a quantitative study investigating higher education students' perceptions toward collaborative writing using Google Docs as well as examining the manner online writing conference as a feedback tool can help to improve students' writing performance. The data is analysed using SPSS Version 24 with 49 students participated in this study. From the survey conducted, it is found that the learners reacted positively to the use of Google Docs not only to work collaboratively successfully but also the feedback they received in the Google Docs both from their peers and the instructor had helped them to improve their writing performance. This study implicated that Google Docs is a constructive resource as an alternative pedagogical tool that can facilitate learners' writing skills and digital engagement which is imperative as part of the effort to equip them with the 21 st century skills.

A Digital Approach to Teach Synthesis Writing for a Defence University: A Needs Analysis

“…The global pandemic underscored the urgency for educators to swiftly adapt to the digital realm, prompting a reassessment of teaching methodologies and the integration of relevant technological tools. As evidenced by Bakar's (2021) study at the defense university, which explored the incorporation of collaborative learning and feedback through digital approaches in the academic writing course, the findings demonstrated a positive reception. This not only highlights the adaptability of students but also emphasizes the importance of an educational environment that embraces technological advancements to optimize learning outcomes.…”

“…The onset of the global pandemic has hastened the urgency for educators to swiftly adapt to the digital landscape, prompting a reassessment of teaching methodologies and the integration of pertinent technological tools. Bakar's (2021) study conducted at the defense university, which delved into the integration of collaborative learning and feedback through digital means within the academic writing course, unveiled a positive response, highlighting students' adaptability and the pivotal role of embracing technological advancements in education. The current findings align closely with Bakar's (2021) earlier research at the same defense university, wherein educators echoed the importance of fostering a teaching and learning environment tailored to the demands of 21st-century learning, emphasizing learner-centeredness.…”

“…Bakar (2018) highlighted these challenges, particularly during the stages of reading and selecting relevant research articles, as well as constructing a comprehensive synthesis essay. Another study within the defense university, conducted at the onset of the Covid-19 Movement Control Order (MCO), scrutinized the English for Academic Writing course, which encompasses elements of synthesis writing (Bakar, 2021). This course gained increased significance amidst the shift to online learning platforms necessitated by the pandemic.…”

Google Docs: Students’ Perceptions as Online Collaborative Tool in Learning Writing Skills

“…Similarly, using Google Docs as a collaborative tool in learning writing is not new as it has started even before the pandemic. Previous studies (Suwantarathip & Wichadee, 2014;Talib & Cheung, 2017;Basri et al, 2019;Yaacob & Yunus, 2019;Sudrajat & Purnawan, 2019;Hidayat, 2020;Bakar, 2021) have shown that the integration of Google Docs in learning writing has positive impacts, benefited the students in their writing, as their writing skill is enhanced, and they are motivated to learn. Google Docs is a web-based application that allows students and teachers to collaborate synchronously and asynchronously by writing, commenting, proofreading, and editing the online text.…”