Integration - ICT – online learning - Skype oral communication

Abstract

This research attempts to examine the application of ICT tools in teaching English with some Algerian university students. The study is composed of two major parts: part one is a quantitative study (use of questionnaires) that aims at examining the attitudes and perceptions of 63 Algerian ESP students and 20 ESP teachers (from different parts in Algeria) towards the use of ICTs in learning and teaching ESP. The results of the investigation reveal the existence of a gap between the Algerian students’ and teachers’ readiness concerning the adoption of a technology-based teaching/learning. The second part of the research is an experimental study that aims at testing the efficiency of online distance learning through Skype in improving four English for Academic Purposes (EAP) students’ English oral communication skills. The experimental study is based on four major instruments: the pre-experiment interview, the observation grid, Competency Accuracy Fluency (CAF) evaluation and the post-experiment questionnaire. The findings of the experimentation have shown positive results in regard to the participants’ oral skills competency improvement (CAF improvement), and in their motivation and attitude toward online learning. As a result of the findings, some changes such as the use of Skype in online distance learning are proposed to be implemented in the teaching/learning of ESP.