2.5. Blended leaning in English reading comprehension
2.5.6. The online learning applications of the study
Google Classroom is Google's free-to-use, learning management system.
Teachers can manage and create learning materials for students in Google classroom. One of the biggest pluses of Google Classroom is that it is easy to use, accessible from any device, and interaction between students and teachers is encouraged. Teachers can create their own classes and exercises, such as quizzes and new words, with just a few simple steps. Teachers send students a code or link to join the class. Then, students proactively see which assignments are due, participate in discussions in the forum, message teachers privately or through group chat. Student scores are also recorded in the gradebook on the application and can be exported easily. Students can do exercises in Google Classroom and teachers grade directly on the system. According to Iftakha's (2016) research results, most participants agreed that applying Google Classroom is very effective and easy to use in teaching and learning English.
Figure 2. 5. Google classroom application for the study
Another study by Prastiyo, Djohar, and Purnawan (2018). Qualitative and quantitative research were used in their research and students were the subjects of SMK Negeri 6 Bandung, while this recent study used quantitative research. The results of the study showed that Google Classroom plays a role in supporting the development of students' learning activities.
Another benefit is that it unlimited time for online classes so that students can attend the classes without interruption in learning process. Moreover, for students, online classes help students learn anywhere and anytime they want, and have access to teacher’s classroom. At the same time, Google Classroom also creates notifications reminding the submission deadlines to help students control the time to complete the assignments. The documents and the test which are done are saved to help students look up when they need. For parents, they can join teacher’s classroom through the link or a code and look up their children’s marks, time to finish assignments, their learning process so that they can remind their children to study.
In summary, teachers and students can share notes, links, and documents through Google classroom. Teachers also have the ability to send notifications, schedules, and tasks to students, deciding to send something on a timeline that is viewable by learners. Additionally, Google Classroom as online learning can benefit students by promoting independent learning and properly balancing their own time in a number of ways. Learners can select and work with materials that suit their interests and goals anytime, anywhere with access to language-related resources and tools available through their Google classroom.
Using Google Classroom can be done through many different platforms, be it through computers or mobile phones. Instructors and students can visit the website https://classroom.google.com or download the application via Play Store on the Android or iOS app store with the keyword "Google classroom". LMS usage is free so usage can be done at any time. Google Classroom Education is one of the features offered by Google Apps for Education (GAFE) which was released to the public on August 12, 2014. Google Classroom is an application that allows creating classes on space network.
According to Izenstark & Leahy (2015), Google Classroom can be used as a means for distributing tasks, submitting assignments as well as assessments. The Google Classroom app can be downloaded for free by registering on the Google for Education account app. This application is very useful for online teaching and learning, can be used on any mobile device or computer. One of the outstanding advantages of this application is that it can be used in conjunction with other groups. There are many benefits to using Google Classroom as one of your Learning Management Systems (LSM).
2.5.6.2. Google classroom features and tools
Over the past 10 years, Google Classroom has increasingly benefited the education market. Google Classroom has established itself as a real player in the education space with the launch of Chrome books for schools and a suite of education services.
Through the Internet and a free smartphone application such as: iOS and Android, Google classroom is accessible, and it is a social platform for education.
Google classroom communities are built by teachers for a specific group of students. For online activities using social networks such as Google Classroom, teachers can take advantage of a number of features and tools on Google Class to create meaningful activities suitable for reading comprehension.
a) Assignments
Across Google's suite of productivity apps, assignments are stored and graded, and teachers and students collaborate or student-to-student. Files are stored on the student's Drive and sent for grading, instead of sharing documents located on the student's Google Drive with the teacher. Teachers can select a file that can then serve as a template so every student can edit their own copy and then return to grade instead of allowing all students to view, copy, or edit same document. Students can also choose to attach additional documents from their Drive to the assignment.
Make assignments appear on the 'To Do' list.
b) Quizzes Tool
This feature can be used to train learners' ability to understand text and it is really useful for post-reading activities. Teachers can create assignments that are meaningful and relevant to the material discussed in class. Teachers can create a variety of questions, such as: true or false, multiple choice, and short answer.
Therefore, students can practice reading comprehension skills such as:
understanding main ideas, predicting, and guessing vocabulary.
c) Link to Videos and Audios
It is suitable for pre-reading activities. Video or audio links from YouTube or other Google Classroom sites can be posted by teachers. Furthermore, this tool can be very helpful in activating students' background knowledge. Additionally, this is useful for brainstorming or formulating information for students about the topic to be discussed in the following text. This makes students ready to learn during reading activities.
d) Collaborative learning group
One of the other benefits of using Google classroom is that the website has the ability to create online study groups. Teachers can create large or small groups of students. Students can be encouraged to work collaboratively on another field, other subjects.
e) Post Comment
Google Classroom is also equipped with the ability to post comments on the wall, like other social networking sites. Teachers can use this page when teaching reading comprehension to create meaningful activities in Virtual Learning, such as: posting questions or problems that can be discussed with students, creating online games.
f) Shared schedule
Schedules are another important feature of Google classroom. Teachers' schedules, class learning activities or their lesson plans can be shared on the schedule. Schedules can be shared with multiple audiences: all classes, or just a certain class or group. This benefits both teachers and students. Planning for all classes is managed by teachers and students are always proactive in checking the
schedule for upcoming activities such as assessments, group presentations and assignment submission dates. Calendar events or due dates will also appear in notifications.
g) Live classes
Through Google Meet, live classes can be conducted by teachers. 250 participants are the maximum that can participate and can be live streamed to 1,000,000 viewers. Live classes can be saved and reviewed later whenever the learner needs.
2.5.6.3. Quizlet
Figure 2. 6. Quizlet as the Virtual Gamified Vocabulary Learning tool in the research
Figure 2. 7. Learning tasks on Quizlet
According to Waluyo & Bucol (2021) learning vocabulary through flashcards has long been known and practiced at the L1 or L2 level. Among them, Quizlet is one of the programs that allows studying in pairs and can also be accessed on electronic devices (Nakata, 2011).
This application was founded by Andrew Sutherland in 2005, currently there are about 60 million people using it monthly, 3 billion study sessions have taken place and 350 million vocabulary sets have been established (Quizlet, 2023). After collecting the results of a critical investigation on flashcard software, Nakata (2011) noted that Quizlet stands out from other applications due to its features related to flashcard creation, support for various languages, diversity in adding images and many different types of exercises. Through a variety of methods and formats, Quizlet vocabulary sets can be shared via print, embedding, URL links and QR codes, giving students the opportunity to learn at their own pace and with practice in their own.
In Indonesia, qualitative research by Anjaniputra and Salsabila (2018) showed that university students preferred to evaluate the value of Quizlet in learning vocabulary, achieving positive results in their studies. Dizon (2016) with the aim of understanding the usefulness and ease of use of Quizlet in students' perceptions, the researcher integrated Quizlet into the Academic Vocabulary List (AWL) class in Japan for 10 week. The results showed that Quizlet adoption was high, with an average score of responses higher than 4 on a 5-point Likert scale.
ầeỗen's (2020) studied using the technology acceptance model examined students' perceptions of using Edmodo, Quizlet, and Canva. The study determined that these applications are popular among students with lower qualifications in Türkiye. EFL students in Thailand are also satisfied with vocabulary learning because it helps them memorize vocabulary effectively in a shorter time than conventional methods through the use of Quizlet (Sangtupim & Mongkolhutthi, 2019). Furthermore, English instructors at the university level favor using Quizlet, as it is one of the most popular applications, as it can make the classroom a fun, convenient and flexible place to learn. learn English (Ulla et al., 2020).
One of the other ways to use Quizlet to learn vocabulary is for students to create their own vocabulary flashcards, which will stimulate students' independent learning process (Wright, 2016). Another useful feature of Quizlet is the Quizlet Live function. Wolff (2016) presented that “Quizlet Live's design is intended to bring new energy to the classroom, not only helping students hone teamwork and communication skills among group members but also improving Vocabulary memory skills (page 27)”. Quizlet Live brings a breath of fresh air that allows independent learning to be fun for learners to achieve better vocabulary learning.
Korkealehto and Siklander (2018) researched using Quizlet in a blended learning method, in which students have the opportunity to create their own vocabulary sets and practice the vocabulary sets of other students; The researcher noticed some growth in the aspects of self-regulated learning and active collaboration among students.