Lecturers’ Perceptions of Google Docs for E-portfolios to improve students’ IELTS Writing

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.26512

Keywords:

Google Docs, e-portfolios, writing e-portfolios, writing performance

Abstract

This study investigated teachers’ perceptions of using Google Docs for writing e-portfolios to improve IELTS writing performance of non-English majors. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three Vietnamese lecturers, supported by the researcher’s reflections, and analyzed using grounded theory coding procedures. The findings indicated that lecturers perceived the integration of Google Docs both positively and negatively. Specifically, they reported that the platform facilitates writing correction, encourages peer review, and promotes collaborative learning, helps students become more active and confident writers. However, several challenges were discovered including students’ reliance on automatic correction, unstable Internet connectivity, and limited technological skills. Overall, the study highlighted key benefits and constraints of Google Docs–based e-portfolios in university writing instruction and offered practical solutions to address issues encountered in technology-enhanced learning environments.

Author Biographies

  • Le Dinh Mai Thu, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Vietnam

    Le Dinh Mai Thu, MA TESOL, is a visiting lecturer of the General English program and TESOL trainer in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She has worked as an EFL teacher for over 10 years. Her research interests are language teaching methodologies and technology integration in language teaching.

  • Pham Thanh Su, Ton Duc Thang University, Vietnam

    Pham Thanh Su is a lecturer at Ton Duc Thang University and a visiting lecturer of English at Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Vietnam. He holds a Master's degree in TESOL from Edith Cowan University, Australia. He has worked as an EFL teacher for 10 years. He is interested in language teaching methodologies, Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), and teacher education.

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Published

10-02-2026

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Research Article

How to Cite

Le, D. M. T., & Pham, T. S. (2026). Lecturers’ Perceptions of Google Docs for E-portfolios to improve students’ IELTS Writing. International Journal of Language Instruction, 5(1), 18-44. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.26512