Using BBM ( Blackberry Messager ) to Upgrade Student’s Ability

Using BBM ( Blackberry Messager ) to Upgrade Student’s Ability  

Andika Putra Pratama, 06011381520061

Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, English Study Program,

Sriwijaya University, Palembang,

e-mail: dikapp@yahoo.com

BBM ( BlackBerry Messenger ), an instant messaging (IM) application that can be downloaded from the Internet has two benefits for the readers . BBM is very popular chat facility in the process communicating through text message, pictures and videos so that process of communication in the interaction between users can be carried out actively in virtual word . BBM chat is utilized very effectively by the students especially for the learning process in the exchange of information both material and knowledge sharing. In entire, the students personality can be seen from the way how they communicate.In this paper, as the students of 21^st era , technology is being part of our life . But, technology like two sides of a coin, bring with it both negative and positive sides. It helps people to be better informed, enlightened, and keeping abreast with world developments. According to Chris Dede, Harvard University states that in 21st century pedagogy, we must consider many thing. For example, the curriculum, the objectives of education, the way assessment strategies work, technology used, and how leadership facilitate gaining education goals.

            In term of education , there are two benefits in using BBM as a media to improve our ability. First, students can participate in real time conversation with friends from different locations simultaneously by using BBM and second, use the text messaging feature for writing game.

First of all, students can participate in real time conversation with friends from different locations simultaneously by using BBM . Kushin & Yamamoto (2010), Rodriguez (2011) state, “The communication on some of these social media platforms occurs in real time, thus expediting exchange of information between individuals, which in turn facilitate information exchange.” It is relevant to what Liccardi, Ounnas, Massey, Kinnunen, Midy, and Sakar (2007) state that the student is socially related with each other for sharing their daily learning experiences and do conversation on several topics. People can tell their own story without being afraid if people around him know that story . People tend to express their words on Personal message of BBM using particular patterns of language use. By using voice message in the BBM, students can improve our speaking skills . Students do not need much time to accept the video from our friends even though there is limitation in sending video . The difference of region is not a problem to learn english , they can invite other people by adding their PIN code even they are live in somewhere far. For example, If they need more information about someone’s country, they can add their PIN code by finding in Facebook or others social media . Then they can ask that people who live in the country that you want to learn . Therefore, the real conversation will be real and get more friends from another region.

In January 2016, BBM being the most active chat application platforms in Indonesia and it shows us if BBM has good influence in social activity. BBM also always ranked top in the Playstore, but it’s now been replaced by WhatsApp.

Another benefits are use the text messaging feature for  writing game . In reality is  many students do not like to write. They associate writing in the school context with boring assignments and negative feedback. In other words, the fun is missing. The challenge is to encourage that type of writing that helps students learn English. If students are not ready to write essays, they can practice with shorter texts to develop their writing skills. In this case, BBM can be a good solution to solve this problem. According to Minocha (2009) states that social networking gains a student’s sense of community, sharing, and brings an additional responsibility and workload, which some students find inflexible and rather “forced”. For example, One activity or simple game is circular writing, where students create a story together by contributing one text message at that time. Each student writes a sentence or two and then send this on to the next student, who add another message, and so on until the story is complete. Students can send the message from group chat or personal chat then the teacher is copied and has a record of the story as it emerges. Therefore, by using group chat, we can practice out teamwork while our writing skill is improved .

It is not about the technology; it’s about sharing knowledge and information, communicating efficiently, building learning communities and creating a culture of professionalism in schools. These are the key responsibilities of all educational leaders (Marion Ginapolis ).

In brief, the benefit of BBM not only we can participate in real time conversation with friends from different locations but also we can use text messaging feature for circular writing . Therefore, teacher should has a purpose when using BBM as a educational media to improve student’s ability. For example, make a simple game by using BBM group chat.

References

1.      http://edtechreview.in/news/2112-technology-in-education-quotes

2.      https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273765340_social_media_and_academic_performance_of_students [accessed Aug 25, 2017].

3.      https://www.techinasia.com/indonesia-web-mobile-data-series-2016

4.      Another benefits are Use the Text Messaging feature for circular writing. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol.6, No.32, 2015

5.      http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3114&context=libphilprac