International Journal of English Linguistics; Vol. 4, No. 5; 2014 ISSN 1923-869X E-ISSN 1923-8703 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education 27 Utilizing Facebook Groups in Teaching Writing: Jordanian EFL Students’ Perceptions and Attitudes Nedal A. Bani-Hani 1 , Mahmoud A. Al-Sobh 2 & Abdel-Rahman H. Abu-Melhim 1 1 Department of English Language and Literature, Irbid University College, Al-Balqa’ Applied University, Irbid, Jordan 2 Department of English Language and Literature, Ajloun National University, Ajloun, Jordan Correspondence: Abdel-Rahman Abu-Melhim, Department of English Language and Literature, Irbid University College, Al-Balqa’ Applied University, Irbid, Jordan. Tel: 962-772-241-740. E-mail: abumelhim@hotmail.com Received: July 7, 2014 Accepted: August 11, 2014 Online Published: October 1, 2014 doi:10.5539/ijel.v4n5p27 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ijel.v4n5p27 Abstract Online social networks have recently been perceived by educators and language specialists as an alternative method for EFL teaching and learning. Utilizing Facebook (FB) in teaching and learning is considered a controversial issue. Users have the option of exchanging information within a group setting. This study investigates the perceptions and attitudes of Jordanian EFL students’ at Irbid University College-Al-Balqa’ Applied University towards utilizing Facebook groups in teaching writing. It also seeks to investigate the role that Facebook groups play in enhancing the writing performance level and brainstorm ideas at the pre-writing stage. A survey consisting of ten questions was used to assess these factors. The participants were 42 EFL students at the department of English Language and Literature. Informants were also required to participate in a Facebook group named “Write Out Clear” designed by the researchers. Findings revealed that Facebook groups can be effective in teaching EFL writing. Furthermore, results illustrated that students can develop their vocabulary by being exposed to fellow group members' posts, in addition to checking for misspelled words. Finally, such findings may help EFL educators in incorporating ICTs into their teaching of various language skills to EFL learners. Keywords: EFL, Facebook groups, ICTs, Jordanian students, writing 1. Introduction It is inevitable that: Information and Communication Technologies (henceforth ICTs) contribute greatly to today's education settings. Such technologies enhance teaching methods by providing students with an intellectually sound environment that promotes creativity and that caters to students' need (Prihatiningsih, 2011, p 34). Ever since the beginning of human-recorded history, no invention existed that brought about enormous changes in human life the way the computer did. The ramifications of computer applications and the multidimensionality of language competence make it hard to establish a rapport between them. Some practitioners believe that technological innovation is the single-most important source of educational change. But just how does a technological advancement cause educational change? What are some of the changes taking place due to the proliferation of technology in educational institutions? What changes influence language performance? These issues have not been extensively and systematically explored and many other similar issues remain without clear awareness. Moreover, developments in ICTs have led to simultaneous developments in pedagogical methodologies (Mazman & Usluel, 2010, p. 446). Social networks allow users to (1) create a profile, (2) connect with other users with similar interests, and (3) keep up with those connections as well as view others' connections expansively (Boyd & Ellison, 2007, p. 211). MySpace, Friendster and Facebook are among the most popular social networks. Having begun at Harvard in 2004, Facebook grew to over 500 million subscribers by 2011 (Facebook Press Room, 2011). Interestingly, the majority of Facebook subscribers live outside of the United States, with the highest number residing in Indonesia (18.9 million) and Malaysia (5.9 million) (Lim, 2011, p. 2). Subscribers are said to expend