Investigating the Effectiveness of Synchronous E-Learning Tools on Developing EFL Learners' Language Communication Skills Among the Hashemite University Students

Authors

  • Rema M. Othman The Hashemite University
  • Majd S. Abushunar The Hashemite University
  • Sabri S.Y. Al-Shboul The Hashemite University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1402.33

Keywords:

synchronous, e-learning, communication, EFL instruction, verbal

Abstract

After COVID-19, today’s language classes have become blended with e-learning tools that have become indispensable to the process of learning in many situations. Synchronous e-learning classrooms have been studied for their impact on EFL communication skills, but few studies have been conducted in the Jordanian institutions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the EFL students’ viewpoints on the efficiency of online classrooms in improving their verbal communication abilities. This study consisted of 284 participants who were EFL learners from the Hashemite University. It was conducted during the academic year 2022-2023, and it followed a mixed qualitative approach. Two means of data collection were used: a questionnaire and observations. The results indicated that students have a positive viewpoint toward online learning effectiveness in developing their communication. Nevertheless, students showed that low self-assurance, nervousness over making errors, and poor lexical knowledge are their main concerns when communicating in EFL classrooms.

Author Biographies

Rema M. Othman, The Hashemite University

The Language Centre

Majd S. Abushunar, The Hashemite University

The Language Centre

Sabri S.Y. Al-Shboul, The Hashemite University

Department of English Language, Literature and Cultural Studies

References

Abu Alyan, A. (2013). Oral communication problems encountering English major students: Perspectives of learners and teachers in Palestinian EFL university context. Arab World English Journal, 4(3), 226-238.

Abu Bakar, N. A., Latiff, H., & Hamat, A. (2013). Enhancing ESL learners speaking skills through asynchronous online discussion forum. Asian Social Science, 9(9), 224-233. https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v9n9p224

Al Hosni, S. (2014). Speaking difficulties encountered by young EFL learners. International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL), 2(6), 22-30.

Alhmadi, N. S. (2014). English speaking learning barriers in Saudi Arabia: A case study of Tibah University. Arab World English Journal, 5(2), 38-53.

Al-Mahrooqi, R. (2012). English communication skills: How are they taught at schools and universities in Oman? English Language Teaching, 5(4), 124-130. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v5n4p124

Appel, C., & Borges, F. (2012, Aug. 31-Sep. 3). Task Design for L2 Oral Practice in Audioblogs. Paper presented at the European Association for Computer-Assisted Language Learning Annual Conference, Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Alswilem, D. A. (2019). Saudi English Teachers' Use of Technology in Secondary Classrooms: Perceptions, Barriers, and Suggestions for Improvement. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 10(6), 168-178. DOI:10.7575/aiac.alls.v.10n.6p.168.

Al-Asmari, A. M., & Khan, M. S. R. (2014). E-learning in Saudi Arabia: Past, present, and future. Near and Middle Eastern Journal of Research in Education, 2014(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.5339/nmejre.2014.2

Al Ibrahim, R. (2021). The future of online learning. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 9(2), 244-250. www.researchpublish.com

Al-Qahtani, M. H. (2019). Teachers’ and students’ perceptions of virtual classes and the effectiveness of virtual classes in enhancing communication skills. Arab World English Journal, Special Issue: The Dynamics of EFL in Saudi Arabia, 223-240. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/efl1.16

AlSaleem, B. I. (2018). The effect of Facebook activities on enhancing oral communication skills for EFL learners. International Education Studies, 11(5), 144-153. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v11n5p144

Alshahrani, A. (2016). Communicating authentically: Enhancing EFL students’ spoken English via videoconferencing. CALL-EJ, 17(2), 1-17.

Alshumaimeri, Y. (2008). Perceptions and attitudes toward using CALL in English classrooms among Saudi secondary EFL teachers. The JALT Journal, 4(2), 29-46. https://doi.org/10.29140/jaltcall.v4n2.61

Alshumaimeri, Y. (2019). English language teaching in Saudi Arabia: An introduction. Riyadh: King Saud University Press.

Banditvilai, C. (2016). Enhancing students’ language skills through blended learning. Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 14(3), 220-229.

Berry, S. (2019). The Role of Video and Text Chat in a Virtual Classroom: How Technology Impacts Community. In J. Yoon & P. Semingson (Eds.), Educational technology and resources for synchronous learning in higher education (pp. 173-187). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-7567-2.ch009

CheeKeong, Y., Yassin, A. A., & Abdulrahman, T. T. A. (2014). Oral communication problems of Yemeni high school EFL students in Malaysia. Journal of Applied Sciences, 14(24), 3620-3626. https://doi.org/10.3923/jas.2014.3620.3626

Clark, V. L. P., & Ivankova, N. V. (2015). Mixed methods research: A guide to the field (vol. 3). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Cong-Lem, N. (2018). Web-based language learning (WBLL) for enhancing L2 speaking performance: A review. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 9(4), 143-152. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.9n.4p.143

Creswell, J. W. (2014). A concise introduction to mixed methods [1] research. SAGE publications.

Danesh, A., Bailey, A., & Whisenand, T. (2015). Technology and instructor–interface interaction in distance education. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 6(2), 39-47.

Fauzi, I., & Hanifah, D. (2018). Developing students’ speaking ability through PowerPoint presentation. In ASEAN/Asian Academic Society International Conference Proceeding Series, 172-178.

Garner, R., & Rouse, E. (2016). Social presence-connecting pre-service teachers as learners using a blended learning model. Student Success, 7(1), 25-36.

Gedera, D. (2014). Students’ experiences of learning in a virtual classroom: An activity theory perspective. International Journal of Education and Development using ICT, 10(4), 93-101.

Hamouda, A. (2020). The effect of virtual classes on Saudi EFL students’ speaking skills. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 3(4), 175-204.

Higgins, S. (2000). The logical zoombinis. Teaching Thinking, Vol 1, Issue 1, Inkpen, Human Factors in Computing Systems, Denver, CO, ACM Conference Companion, pp. 258-259.

Hussein, E. T. (2016). The effectiveness of using Blackboard in improving the English listening and speaking skills of the female students at the University of Hail. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 3(12), 81-93. https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.312.2379

Istifci, I. (2017). Perceptions of Turkish EFL students on online language learning platforms and blended language learning. Journal of Education and Learning, 6(1), 113-121.

Khambayat, S. R. (2017). Developing effective communication skills in students. Scholarly Research Journal for Interdisciplinary Studies, 4(37), 8799-8817. https://doi.org/10.21922/srjis.v4i37.10829

Khamkhien, A. (2011). Quantitative and qualitative views of Thai EFL learners’ learning oral communication skills. Academic Research International, 1(1), 90-103.

Macdonald, J. (2003). Assessing online collaborative learning: process and product. Computers & Education, 40(4), 377-391.

Manegre, M., & Sabiri, K. A. (2020). Online language learning using virtual classrooms: An analysis of teacher perceptions. Computer-Assisted Language Learning. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2020.1770290

Montoute, R. (2013). 16 Essential Tips for Planning to Moderate a Virtual Classroom Event. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Pan, C. C., & Sullivan, M. (2005). Promoting synchronous interaction in an eLearning environment. Technical Horizons in Education Journal, 33(2), 27-30.

Parker, M. A., & Martin, F. (2010). Using virtual classrooms: Student perceptions of features and characteristics in an online and a blended course. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 6(1), 135-147.

Salbego, N. N., & Tumolo, C. H. S. (2015). Skype classes: Teachers and students’ perceptions on synchronous online classes in relation to face-to-face teaching and learning. International Journal of Language and Applied Linguistics, 1(3), 36-45.

Salmon, Gilly. (2003). E-Moderating: The Key to Teaching and Learning Online, 2nd ed. London, UK: Taylor and Francis.

Tam, M. (2000). Constructivism, instructional design, and technology: Implications for transforming distance learning. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 3(2), 50-60.

Thakur, V. S., Al Mashani, S. M., & Almashikhi, K. (2019). Enhancing communication skills of ESL/EFL learners through in-class Project-based tasks and activities: A pedagogical framework. Adalya Journal, 8(9), 1357-1368.

Wambui, T., Kibui, A., & Gathuthi, E. (2012). Communication Skills vol.1. Lap Lambert Academic Publishing GmbH & Co.

Yadav, G. (2016). Reflection on virtual classes: Spirit of the time. International Journal of Advanced Research, 4(4), 1162-1167. https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/333

Yilmaz, O. (2015). The effects of “live virtual classroom” on students’ achievement and students’ opinions about “live virtual classroom” at distance education. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology-TOJET, 14(1), 108-115.

Downloads

Published

2024-02-01

Issue

Section

Articles