THE USE OF BLOGGING IN TEACHING EFL AT KAZAN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY

Modern information technologies provide the ground for the introduction of innovative English teaching methods which are often based on Web 2.0. Blogging applied in English language classes is one of the newest approaches of the kind, meant to enliven and diversify the learning process, thus making it more motivating and effective. The paper discusses the experience of incorporating blogging with traditional teaching methods within the framework of EFL (English as a second language) course taught to students of Kazan Federal University (KFU), Russia. The significance of the research is determined by the need to enhance students' communicative competences necessary for their academic performance, everyday life, and future professional interaction. The research was held in several academic groups and lasted for two semesters. Students were asked to use blogging to do certain class activities and home work. The learners, who participated in the experiment, were finally surveyed at the end of the academic year. The results of the survey are presented and interpreted in the article. They demonstrate both advantages and disadvantages of blogging for EFL learners and teachers. Based on the results of the research, the article provides some guidelines on the use of blogging in English language teaching at the University.