Online Synchronous Speaking Platforms In Mobile-Assisted Language Learning: A Review Of Cambly© Literature


Yildirim M. A., Sağlamel H.

TECHNOLOGYINTEGRATED ENGLISHLANGUAGE TEACHING, Dr. Arzu EKOÇ ÖZÇELIK,Dr. Zennure ELGÜN GÜNDÜZ, Editör, Eğiten Kitap, Ankara, ss.185-207, 2022

  • Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
  • Basım Tarihi: 2022
  • Yayınevi: Eğiten Kitap
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Ankara
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.185-207
  • Editörler: Dr. Arzu EKOÇ ÖZÇELIK,Dr. Zennure ELGÜN GÜNDÜZ, Editör
  • Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Development of speaking skills requires considerable effort, investment, and exposure. However, in English as a foreign language contexts, a significant number of learners are not offered these opportunities. Such failure to meet the abovementioned requirements results in a great many learners struggling with speaking skills. Despite such disadvantaged positions, computer-mediated communication (CMS) tools opened new avenues for communication, empowering the learners to become more engaged and more motivated. Of these tools, Cambly© deserves a seminal place as it enables interaction with competent English-speaking conversation partners. There are over ten million users of the online English-speaking platform and mobile-assisted language learning application Cambly© on Google Play. With its scheduled or on-demand courses and native English-speaking (NES) tutors, the application is rated one of the best language learning apps on the market. The increasing popularity of online language teaching platforms and the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly increased the attention on applications, such as Cambly©, which offer users with opportunities to improve their proficiency, motivation, exposure to English and speaking skills, such as pronunciation and fluency. The present study aims to investigate and summarize research trends and point out any gaps in the literature as well as offer directions for further research. As only a small number of studies were found focused solely and directly on Cambly©, studies where the application has been investigated and explored partially have been added to the research interests of the study. The results reveal that although the application proves useful and beneficial in improving users’ English-speaking skills, there are gaps in the literature and an obvious lack in the number of studies on Cambly©. The results will be useful for researchers aiming to investigate the effectiveness of Cambly© application.