The Potentiality of Synchronous Video-Based Computer-Mediated Communication on EFL Learners' Inside and Outside Classroom Willingness to Communicate and Intercultural Competence

Document Type : research article

Authors

An instructor at Shiraz Paramedical University, Fars Education Department, and Iran Language Institute-Fars, Iran.

Abstract

The two constructs of Willingness to Communicate (WTC) and Intercultural competence (IC) are among influential factors affecting the success or failure of communication. This study aimed at exploring the potentiality of synchronous video-based computer-mediated communication class on intermediate EFL learners' inside and outside the classroom WTC and IC. In so doing, 52 intermediate learners from different cultural backgrounds selected through the Solutions Placement Test (SPT) were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The necessary data were collected through WTC Inside the Classroom Scale, WTC Outside the Classroom Scale, and IC Scale. Culturally-based videos were implemented in both groups to raise students' awareness of target culture and to trigger their intercultural competence by gaining insight into their own and other cultures. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software, Discord, enabled the participants of the experimental group to communicate on a chat channel. However, the control group had face to face negotiation on video contents. The results indicated that synchronous class led to a statistically significant improvement in both inside and outside the classroom WTC. With regard to IC, although the intercultural competence of both groups improved, no significant difference was reported between the two groups. In the rapidly diversifying world, facilitating learners' WTC and pushing them to become intercultural speakers should be among teachers' priorities.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Foreign Language Research
Volume 10, Issue 4
February 2021
Pages 734-751

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