Effects of Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication and Face-to-Face Interaction on Speaking Skill Development of Iranian EFL Learners

Hakimeh Shahrokhi Mehr, Masoud Zoghi, Nader Assadi

Abstract


The traditional form of teaching speaking skill has been via face-to-face (FTF) interaction in the classroom setting. Today in the computer age, the on-line forum can provide a virtual environment for differential communication. The pedagogical system benefits from such technology improvement for teaching foreign languages. This quasi-experimental research aimed at comparing the effects of two instructional strategies: synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) and FTF interaction. For this purpose, 60 EFL learners were selected from a private language institute as the control (n=30) and experimental (n=30) groups. A speaking test, designed by Hughes (2003), was administered as pretest and after a 12-session treatment the same test was administered as the posttest. The result obtained showed that participants taught based on SCMC fared better than those that were taught according to FTF interaction. Based on the findings of the current study, it is recommended that EFL teachers incorporate computer-mediated communication into their pedagogical procedures.

 


Keywords


Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication, Face-to-Face Interaction, Speaking Skill.

Full Text:

PDF

References


Abrams, Zs. (2003). The effect of Synchronous and Asynchronous CMC on Oral Performance on German. The Modern Language Journal, 87 (2), 157-167.

Althaus, S. (1997). Computer-mediated communication in the university classroom: An experiment with online discussions. Communication Education, 46 (3), 158-174.

Beauvois, M. H. (1995). E-talk: Attitudes and motivation in computer-assisted classroom discussion. Computers and the Humanities, 28, 177-190.

Beauvois, M. H. (1997). Write to speak: the effect of electronic communication on the oral achievement of fourth semester French students. In J.Muyskens (Ed.), new ways of learning and teaching: Issues in language program direction (pp. 93-116).

Cheon, H. (2003). The viability of computer mediated communication in the Korean secondary EFL classroom. Asian EFL Journal. Vol.5 Issue 1 Article 2. Retriever December 1st, 2012 from http://www.asion-efl-journal.com/march03.sub2.phd.

Chun, D.M. (1994). Using computer networking to facilitate the acquisition of interactive competence. System, 22 (1), 17-31.

Chun, D. M. (1998). Using Computer Assisted Class Discussion to Facilitate the Acquisition Interactive Competence. In J. Swaffar, S. Romano, P. Markley & K. Arens (eds,). Language Learning Online: Theory and Practice 2. Austin, Tx: Labyrinth Publications. 57-80.

Compton, L. (2002). From chatting to oral fluency: using chat to improve self-confidence and increase willingness to communicate. Retrieved January 5th, 2013 from http://www.tewjournal.org/ICQ%2HC.

Dolati, I. & Mikaili, P. (2011). Opinion related to the main reasons on Iranian students’ difficulties in spoken English proficiency. Australian Journal of basic and Applied Science. 01/2011. . Retrieved March 23rd, 2012, from http://www.ajbasweb.com

Ehsan, N., Mirza, E., & Ahmad, M. (2008). Impact of computer-mediated communication on virtual teams’ performance: An empirical study. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology. 42: 694-703

Higgins, R. (1991). Computer-mediated cooperative learning: Synchronous and asynchronous communication between students learning nursing diagnosis. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. University of Toronto. Retrieved February 15th, 2012, from http://www.cybercorp.net/rhiggins/thesis.

Hughes, A. (2003). Testing for language teachers, Cambridge university press. (pp. 131-133).

Johnson, G. M. (2006). Synchronous and asynchronous text-based CMC in educational contexts: A review of recent research. TechTrends, Vol.50. No.4 pp. 46-53.

Jurkowitz, L. A. (2008). Interaction, meaning-making, and accuracy in synchronous CMC discussion: the experiences of a university-level intermediated French class. Retrieved May 4th 2012 from http://arizona.openrepository.com/arizona.

Kathleen, A. (2004). Face to face communication, making human connections in a technologh-driven world. CALCO Journal, Vol.2 No.2 pp.12-18.

Kawase, A. (2009). Second language acquisition and synchronous computer mediated communication. Retrieved February 14th, 2012, from http://www.tc.columbia.edu/tesolalwebjoournal.

Kelm, O.R. (1992). The use of synchronous computer networks in second language instruction: A preliminary report. Foreign Language Annals, 25, 441-445.

Kern, R.G. (1995). Restructuring classroom interaction with networked computers: Effects on quantity and characteristics of language production. Modern Language Journal, 79, 457-476.

Lee, C.K.M. (2002). Literacy practices in computer-mediated communication in Hong Kong. The reading matrix, Vol. 2, No.2. pp. 1-25. . Retrieved September 11th, 2012, from https://www.mediensprache.net/archiv/2925.pdf

Murad, T. M. (2009). The effect of task-based language teaching on developing speaking skills among the Palestinian secondary EFL students in Israel and their attitudes towards English. The Asian EFL Journal. Retrieved March 24th, 2012, from http://asian0efl-journal.com/category/thesis.

Norris, A. R. (2012). Computer-mediated communication and globalization: considering social academic, and business factors. Student Pulse, an online academic students Journal. Vol,4 No.2. Retrieved September 18th, 2012, from http://www.studentpulse.com.

Pica, T., Kanagy, R., & Falodun, J. (1993). Choosing and using communication tasks for second language research and instruction. In G. Crookes & S. M. Gass (Eds.), Tasks and language learning: Integrating theory and practice (pp. 9-34). Clevedon, England: Multilingual Matters.

Satar, H. M, & Őzdener, N. (2008). Computer-mediated communication in foreign language education: use of target language and learner perception. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education. Vol. 9 No. 2 Article 9. Retrieved January 15th, 2013 from http://www.toj/de.

Short, J.A., Williams, E., & Christie, B. (1976). The social psychology of telecommunication. London: John Wiley & Sons.

Thurow, C., Lengel, L.B., & Tomic, A. (2004). Computer-Mediated communication: social interaction and the Internet. (pp.77-85). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Warschauer, M. (1996). Comparing FTF and electronic communication in the second language classroom. CALICO Journal, 13 (2), 7-26.

Xu, Yi. (2005). Synchronous Computer-mediated Communication and Second Language Acquisition --Current Researches and Future Directions.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.2n.5p.36

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Bookmark and Share


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

2012-2023 (CC-BY) Australian International Academic Centre PTY.LTD. 

International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature

To make sure that you can receive messages from us, please add the journal emails into your e-mail 'safe list'. If you do not receive e-mail in your 'inbox', check your 'bulk mail' or 'junk mail' folders.