Needs Analysis of Developing Writing Module on Technology Platform in Improving Tertiary Students’ Writing Abilities

<jats:p>The English language plays an important role in every individual’s life as it is the core language for studying any subject matter all over the world. English is pivotal among English as a Second Language (ESL) learners to broaden their minds and nurture emotional skills, as well as most prominently to improve one’s life by contributing to job opportunities. Therefore, mastering writing skills has become an important necessity for success. This study aims to identify the usefulness of using a writing module through a technology resource, the challenges faced by academicians while teaching writing skills, and what teaching method students anticipate the most fundamental. A prompt interview method was used among 15 academicians from one of the higher education institutions in Selangor, Malaysia to analyse the need for a writing module, the major difficulties of academicians while teaching writing skills, and the importance of incorporating technology resources. The results indicated that incorporating a writing module as guidelines was needed. The major challenges faced by academicians were insufficient time to provide writing activities, lack of online writing materials and students being less interested in conventional teaching approaches. Furthermore, outcomes specified that utilising mobile learning in practising writing skills was significant among tertiary-level students. Hence, this study enables future researchers and practitioners to conduct further studies to improve tertiary students’ writing skills by using writing modules, utilising new teaching approaches and mobile learning. This is to enable tertiary students to master their writing skills appropriately before indulging themselves in their career prospects. Keywords: Difficulties, higher education institutions, mobile learning, teaching approaches, writing module</jats:p>