ERIC Number: EJ818892
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0026-7902
EISSN: N/A
The Effects of Synchronous CMC on Speaking Proficiency and Anxiety: Text versus Voice Chat
Satar, H. Muge; Ozdener, Nesrin
Modern Language Journal, v92 n4 p595-613 Win 2008
This article reports on a study investigating the use of 2 synchronous computer-mediated communication tools: text and voice chat. The experimental design employed 3 groups (text, voice, and control), each consisting of 30 novice-level secondary school learners of English as a foreign language. Over a 4-week period, the participants in the experimental groups engaged in 40-45-minute-long chat sessions in dyads, guided by a total of 8 tasks. The data were collected through preanxiety and postanxiety scales and speaking tests, and the participants' perspectives were investigated through the use of closed and open-ended questionnaires. The results showed that the speaking proficiency of both experimental groups increased, whereas there was a decrease in the anxiety levels only for the text chat group. The results were then interpreted by taking into consideration the data from the questionnaires, and a protocol was proposed for the selection of tools for different learner groups.
Descriptors: Experimental Groups, Research Design, Speech Communication, Computer Mediated Communication, Anxiety, Secondary School Students, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Measures (Individuals), Language Tests, Questionnaires, Language Proficiency
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A