Students’ Awareness towards Using Google Docs in Promoting Writing Skills in EFL Classes: TIU-Northern Iraq

Abstract

Google Docs is one of the free suite and browser-based program. It mostly includes a word processor. It also allows users to store documents for free as well as to upload files to the storage area. In addition, it enables users to backup wanted files online also with having access to the documents from any computer with a browser and internet connection at the same time. Additionally, using Google Docs helps learners to enhance their writing performance while they are having writing activities. Moreover, since GDs is a technology-enhanced technique therefore, students can establish a collaborative learning environment to improve students’ writing skills. This study aims to find out to what extent EFL university students use Google Docs in writing skills subject such as academic writing, general writing, and essay writing, to university students at Education Faculty of Tishk International University. The informants of the study are 90 EFL university students from faculty of Education, particularly English Language Teaching at Tishk University in Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The data are collected through a questionnaire in quantitative approach. The data was analyzed through Google form approach to reach the result. The study has revealed that the majority of the students who learned writing skills are aware of Google Docs, but they don’t use it in learning writing skills. Based on the result of the study, there were some recommendations like opening educational technology courses for university students and teachers. Also providing facility to implement it easily.