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Research Article
Whatsapp Enabled English Language Teaching- Improving
Speaking Skill through Language Tasks

Beena Anil
Assistant Professor of English
SDNB Vaishnav College for Women, Chrompet, Chennai, India
Email: pbeenanil@gmail.com

Abstract
Technology is a boon in learning a language especially English as a second language.
Learning English is a difficult task for most second language learners (SLL). Introducing
language tasks in the classroom help learners to develop competitive skill, collaborative
learning, coordination, interactive skill, exploration and goal setting. In today’s world
technology is synonymous with autonomous, collaborative and flexible learning. Tech-
nology-based tasks bring color on multiple platforms to narrate, listen and understand
the language usage in various playful ways as well as generate ideas and discussion for
reflective thinking and writing. This paper explores the use of language tasks through
whatsapp that are helpful for learners to develop their speaking skill and shares a few
websites and applications for teachers of English to use for teaching purposes.

Keywords: tasks, second language learning, technology, learner-centric, flexibility
Introduction Learning English language is a skill
and developing the skill of second
The dissemination of technology’s
significance is unstoppable. Technology language learners is challenging as
integrated education has encouraged today’s learners are techno-enabled
users to think differently and innovatively. users. Approximately, higher education
Technology-based language tasks are learners in India use mobile phones
used by second language teachers more than three hours every day for
in the classroom which echoes the leisure purposes. The addiction to
idea of blended learning. Technology- mobile phones should be cashed on by
based learning is synonymous with converting their interest into a learning
autonomous, collaborative and flexible tool for learning English language. This
learning. The paradigm shift in learning paper has explored the possibility of
is infusing user-friendly technology using whatsapp on mobile phones
based tasks. Educators are on the verge to teach semi-rural second language
of understanding that what students learners of a college in Tamil Nadu,
study or how they study or where they India.
study might be overboard or obsolete
within a few years. In the fast-paced Literature Review
world, teachers should equip them with There is sufficient literature available
e-knowledge, as learners expect new pertaining to learning English as a
knowledge from them. second language and for this paper it is
Indian Journal of Educational Technology 9
Volume 3, Issue 2, July 2021