Effects of Information and Communication Technology and Social Media in Developing Students’ Writing Skill: A Case of Al-Quds Open University
Dr. Aida. M. Bakeer

Abstract
This paper presents a case study of using Information and Communication Technology ICT and social media in a writing course at Al-Quds Open University (QUO). The researcher aims to explore undergraduate EFL learners’ writing problems, and the effect of ICT and social media in developing positive attitudes and improving students' proficiency in writing English at the university level. Technology integration is becoming increasingly popular in the pedagogical field due to the wide spread of ICT tools and the availability of the internet. ICTs and social media were used in parallel with traditional teaching methods of teaching writing. The sample of the study consisted of 72 undergraduate students divided into a control group and an experimental group. Students' attitudes were compared between the two groups to measure the potential of available technology and social media to develop the writing skill. The findings of the study showed that the integration of ICTs and social media had a positive effect in developing students' writing skill. Additionally, the undergraduates show satisfaction with the potential achievements of integrating ICT and social media in developing the writing skill.

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