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The Effects of Using 'Soundcloud' on Speaking Performance of Ecuadorian Students

Abstract:

This paper aimed to investigate the effects of using 'Soundcloud' social sound platform on the speaking performance of Ecuadorian students of an English Teacher Training Program. It is well known that technology enhances the learning of a second/foreign language, and speaking skills have been improved by the use of technological tools that motivate students to perform meaningful conversations. This research was guided by a quasi-experimental research method where the experimental group produced student-made podcasts on 'Soundcloud', while the controlled group carried out traditional in-class discussions. A pre and post Versant (Cambridge) test was applied to measure improvement on speaking skills. A total of six topics were assigned to students to be discussed in groups of three. The findings reveal no significant differences in the results of the posttest compared with those of the pre-test for both the control and experimental groups in their speaking performance, thus findings contribute as an alternative for traditional in-class discussions. A few considerations for further research are addressed.