Electronic preparation for using social and virtual networks in learning language skills (Case Study: Arabic language of Shiraz University Students)

Acceptance of learning via social networks depends to a great extent on the personal attitudes of the learners; therefore the present study concentrated on those personal backgrounds that are influential on the learners’ preparation for using social networks to learn language skills. The sample of the study included 64 Arabic language students studying at Shiraz University. Since they were few in number, there was no need to do sampling and the information was gathered through consensus. The tool applied in the study consisted of the questionnaire devised by the researcher in accordance with the electronic preparation principles and rules to practice electronic learning. The questionnaire was revised by several professors of Arabic language and educational science majors and then its validity was confirmed by them. To assess the reliability, the questionnaire was pretested to 15 students and Cronbach’s alpha of 0.90 was achieved. The results revealed that the students do not possess necessary skills and attitudes to use virtual networks for learning lingual skills. The students also believed that the organizational culture of the university is not supportive and encouraging to perform such programs