Development of L2 Academic Writing

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The present study set out to inquire for the impact online tools may have on the development of academic writing skills in a group of EFL students. For this purpose, strategies were implemented in a platform that allows collaborative writing. The data collection was carried out through four writing sessions where seven EFL students were analyzed mainly through two focus group interviews, a questionnaire and students’ comments gathered during the writing process. The findings show that the implementation of the online tools contributed in aspects such as the positive impact on vocabulary and grammar development, the interaction of the participants with multiple tools offered by the platform encompassing collaborative work; the efficiency and the optimization of time when working in the writing tasks, and lastly, the impact motivation had on the participants when working on the platform. Finally, as part of the conclusions, it is important to acknowledge the advantages of the ICT tools over the traditional tools, integrating the TPACK as a fundamental pillar that encompasses teachers, technology and L2 academic writing.