Examining Iranian EFL university learners' autonomy and their motivation towards language learning in a virtual social space

Language education in Iran is the same problem as it was in last years. One of the unfavorable and unfortunate conditions in connection with foreign language learning in Iran is that communicating in English, even after seven years, compulsory education in middle school and high school which is beyond the capabilities of foreign language learners, more Students are not able to use English to communicate. Autonomy is a psychological need that we feel that we do our behavior and actions with our own will. People usually get much more motivation when they feel that what they do is formed within themselves and based on their needs and desires than when they think they are forced to do something. The participants are ۱۲۰ university students studying English as language teaching (ELT) in Shiraz University. They participated in the course using virtual learning space. The results of the present study showed that the use of virtual social networks on learning three skill is one of the four language skills, so it is suggested that the use of virtual social networks be considered as a part of formal or informal learning activities.

Keywords:

EFL university learners , autonomy , motivation , virtual social space