Abstract:

The article shows the results of a research project designed to improve the results in the English section of the Spanish University Admission Examination, or PAU, Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad (EFL-PAU henceforth). Using a quasi-experimental methodology relevant data was collected from both groups during a whole academic year just before their EFL-PAU.

The hypothesis that students who used Web 2.0 based materials (forums, collaborative glossaries, social repositories with annotated past papers, podcasts, social bookmarking, a wiki and a blog) instead of traditional EFL (English as a foreign language) resources achieved better results was quantitatively confirmed. Furthermore, it was qualitatively proved that Web 2.0 tools in EFL increase motivation in students, a crucial aspect for the achievement of good scores in the English section of the EFL-PAU.

All these Web 2.0 tools were located in a Moodle course, one of the most widely used virtual learning environments. Although not strictly speaking a Web 2.0 tool, Moodle facilitates interactive information sharing, online collaboration and is user/learner-centered, all of which are key features in a Web 2.0 digital education context.

Author: Elena Martin-Monje