Over the last few decades, the second language acquisition research informed by sociocultural theory has increased noticeably. The advocates of the sociocultural studies propose that incorporating a social perspective of learners and language learning can make a significant contribution to the understanding of the complexity of L2 learning process. Moreover, in recent years, there has been increasing interest in using blogs in the area of L2 learning. To determine the appropriateness of integrating blogs in L2 learning and to further understand the process of L2 learning, this book, therefore, presents and discusses empirical research exploring the effectiveness of integrating blogs in EFL learning, particularly in the aspects of reading and writing, based on Vygotsky's ideas about social interaction, collaboration, mediation and scaffolding. This investigation should help make the complicated process of L2 learning be more transparent, and be useful to the professionals in L2 learning and teaching fields, or anyone else who are interested in looking at L2 learners' language learning via the use of blogs from the sociocultural perspective.

Hui-Ju Wu, PhD Candidate: Studied Second Language Acquisition & Instructional Technology at University of South Florida, USA. English Educator at Jhong Jheng High School, Kaohsiung, Taiwan (ROC).