Abstract

Learning through internet using mobile and computer is common now a day. Here, this research paper highlights impacts of online learning tools and applications available for free in improving students’ speaking skills at higher education level. Female students from arts and science colleges were selected for this study because students studying in Namakkal District are mostly from remote village and it is pertinent to note that female students are not allowed to use mobile phone considering various customs and societal concepts. It is duty of a guide to create awareness in using mobile phone for the sake of their selfimprovement. Due to COVID-19, students were allowed to use mobile phone in college and they were given free Wi-Fi. Students are from vernacular medium and they mostly speak in Tamil language. By offering a skill-based course titled Oral Communication, a well structured syllabus with lesson plan is approved by the management. Student enrollment for the course is five hundred and seventy one from three colleges run by the same management. Applications and Websites were identified to hone the speaking skills of the learners considering their skill from a pretest analysis. A laboratory with well-equipped audio and video tools is taken. With the objective of finding whether the identified applications and websites were useful in improving the learners’ speaking skills and to encourage students to interact and express in English confidently. Data have been collected through various methods like semi-structured interviews and scheduling presentation and giving role-play. The study revealed how activities were planned with applications and websites and what testing measures were taken to evaluate students progress in speaking. The 571 informants were compared with the other students in the colleges studying BA English Literature courses based on their marks in tests and examination and their involvement in taking part in presentation, seminars and other activities organized in departments of colleges. It was found that the candidates enrolled for Oral Communication would be given their phone for use by their parents identifying they are on the right track.