Min-Chen Tseng∗

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of weblogs in English classes for medicine-related majors. A weblog, or blog, is an innovation of the Internet. It is authentic, and it provides students with a real-world activity. Did students form positive or negative attitudes toward using blogs? What were the advantages and disadvantages of using blogs? A total of 55 Taiwanese students majoring in Medical Image & Radiological Sciences, and Respiratory Care participated in this study. The materials in use were a tutor blog, learner blogs, and a questionnaire. The results show that students formed positive attitudes toward blogs, especially the tutor blog. The major advantages were writing practice, free writing, and peer learning, whereas the disadvantages were the accuracy of content, passive behaviors and distractions. The findings and conclusions from this study may serve as suggestions for teachers who intend to introduce blogs in English classes. The ultimate goal was to explore the effectiveness of blogs in language learning and teaching