THE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE SPEAKING SKILLS IN TERM OF COMMUNCIATVE COMPETENCE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Speaking English is one of the most essential skills for second language learners, and it is an invaluable communicative tool. Speaking skills provide an initial impression of a speaker’s English language fluency. This necessitates finding effective educational methods to acquire this skill, among which is the use of technology in the classroom. Because technology plays a major role in various aspects of life, it has been employed in the educational environment in general and in English language teaching. Digital transformation has taken the learning environment by storm. Studies have further determined that when digital developments are systematically applied within learning settings they promote quality instructional and learning outcomes. The emergence of digital technology has been vital in bridging the gaps among language learners’ skills, and its introduction has enabled the realization and integration of more digital and computer-mediated learning processes. The current study sought to explore how technology can be used to promote the development of communicative competencies among language learners. The study has determined that technology is a bridge that eliminates the language learning barriers or obstacles, including cultural and social environments, that may limit communicative competencies. For instance, the study has identified that because most language learners tend to lack sufficient opportunities to practice second language speaking, technology plays a critical role in alleviating this barrier by providing such opportunities. This study was a literature-based dissertation which mainly focused on the selected studies’ results. The findings of the current study demonstrate that when technology is carefully and systematically implemented in class, language learners achieve quality outcomes in terms of advancing their communicative competencies. A key concern and focus should, thus, be towards ensuring that the resources are available and that teachers are provided with the support they require to adequately implement technology in class. The current study provides clear evidence that demonstrates the need to incorporate technology in class to promote communicative competencies in language learning.