Practicing Speaking through Voki, Zoxopop, and Voice Thread

Abstract

It has always been a challenging task for many EFL learners to attain high levels of proficiency in their speaking skills. Because of the classroom time constraints, most of the students usually do not manage to work on their speaking skills properly. Thus, speaking becomes the most complicated language skill for them to master. This is especially true for many Armenian EFL students who have limited opportunities to practice their speaking skills beyond the classroom walls.Nowadays, with the advent of Web 2.00 technologies the students could be given a chance to fill in this gap. However, a question arises in regard to the type of the technology to be used for that purpose. Thus, the main aim of the following study is to explore the optimal tool from among three Web 2.00 technologies: Voki, Voxopop and VoiceThread amongEEC (Experimental English Classes) students in Armenia for the purpose of practicing speaking skills outside the classroom in terms of their usability, students'engagement with language use and social engagement. To reveal that, a 10-weekmixed method study was conducted with seven EEC students at the AmericanUniversity of Armenia. The corresponding data was collected from four instruments: questionnaires, semi-structured interview, students' written reflections and analysis of students' online behavior.The results of the data analysis revealed that in terms of usability and social engagement, the optimal tool among the students appeared to be Voice Thread, while in regard to students' engagement with language use the optimal one seemed to be Voxopop.