The role of social media in teaching and learning the foreign languages

Abstract

With advancements in science and technology, many new educational models appear, and they have widely been accessed. Through several social media platforms such as Facebook, Whatsapp and Youtube, teachers can support learners in improving language competence and language use. This article aims to introduce the definition, some typical features of social media, and the benefits as well as challenges that social media brings to teachinglearning processes. From the results of the study which were carried out at the Schools of Foreign Languages, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, some recommendations have been  given in order to reduce the difficulties faced by both students and teachers in applying social media to their foreign language learning and teaching activities.