Kobayashi Sho

<jats:p>Second language learners, particularly those with lower proficiency, often struggle with insufficient practice and heightened anxiety when speaking. This case study investigates the impact of one-onone online conversation lessons on a university student’s speaking skills and language anxiety. The participant, a university student with low proficiency in the target language, engaged in eight online lessons. Quantitative measurements of speaking skills and anxiety levels were taken using pre- and post-tests. Results indicated that the online lessons effectively improved the participant’s speaking abilities and reduced their anxiety. Qualitative analysis of lesson and interview transcripts highlighted specific factors contributing to these changes, such as the role of feedback. This study adds to the field of technology in language learning by demonstrating the potential of online conversation lessons with corrective feedback as an effective individual learning modality for lower-level second language learners.</jats:p>

This study explores the affective aspects ― Willingness to communicate (WTC) and International Posture (IP) ― and speaking skills after using technological tools. Online synchronous meeting tool, Zoom, and the asynchronous tool, Padlet, were used as online learning platforms. Data were collected using an 8-item questionnaire on the WTC and a 20-item questionnaire on IP. They were pre-existing questionnaires developed for the Japanese context and were administered to 34 college students before and after their lessons. Participants’ speaking ability was tested twice (pre- and post-tests). Open-ended responses and participant reflections were also analyzed to gain further insights. Results showed significant effects on enhancing WTC, IP and speaking skills of participants with regard to ICT-based International Interactions. In addition, positive communication experiences with cross-cultural partners using Zoom and Padlet led to higher affective aspects and learning motivation. The findings suggest the viability of Padlet and Zoom as a tool for all proficient learners because of their relative ease of use and data management features. The implication of this study is relevant to a pedagogical tool in online exchanges for the current generation of students.