EduWrite: Supporting ESL Learners with PedTech

It was indeed a significant challenge in motivating and engaging Malaysian college students in ESL
(English as a Second Language) writing classes. It was found that the majority of college students, classified as
CEFR A2 and B1 English users, struggled to write essays effectively. This study attempted to explore the effects
of EduWrite, a hybrid of active learning strategies and scaffolding approaches that leverages QuillBot, an AI
grammar checker and Padlet, a digital collaborative tool, on enhancing college students' essay-writing performance
and identify their perceptions of EduWrite. Twenty college students participated in two-hour EduWrite writing
sessions weekly for two months. Data from topical test outcomes were analyzed quantitatively while data from
instructor observations and student questionnaires were subjected to qualitative analysis. The results revealed
positive student perceptions of EduWrite, indicating increased motivation to improve their writing skills,
demonstrated by enhanced use of cohesive devices, improved organization of ideas, and heightened confidence.
Instructor observations support these findings, highlighting students' heightened interest, conceptual development,
and adherence to writing conventions. This study not only offers insights into effective technological pedagogies for
ESL writing education but also suggests the potential for commercializing EduWrite as an innovative tool to support
language learning. Further research could explore the long-term effects of integrating smart technology including
Padlet and AI grammar checkers into ESL writing education.