The Effect of Using Web-Cam Chat on the Undergraduate EFL Learners᾽ Socio-Cultural Competence

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the use of web-cam chat as one of the most effective tools of
Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC), and measuring its effect on the sociocultural
competence of the English as foreign language learners. The sample of the study consisted of
38 undergraduate EFL learners who registered for a Conversational Skills Course at Al-alBayt
University during the academic year 2013-2014. However, the chosen sample of the study was
of two groups: Group one consisted of (20) students, which was chosen as an experimental
group, and group two consisted of (18) students, which was assigned as a control group. Data
were collected within 8 weeks and statistical analysis was prepared (T-test, one-way analysis of
variance, and Scheffe). To assess the effect of using web-cam chat on EFL learners
sociocultural competence, students in both groups sat for a written and an oral test at the
beginning of the second semester of the academic year 2013-2014 so as to determine their
actual sociocultural knowledge before starting the experiment. After 8 weeks, the same test
was administered as a posttest. The results of the study indicated that the experimental group
performed better that the control group in the sociocultural aspects of language due to the new
method of teaching that is Web-cam chat. The results of the study showed that the experimental
group acquired some sociocultural aspects rather than the others. Additionally, the findings of
the study revealed that the experimental group students have developed their language skills.
This might be due to the effect of web-cam chat through which the experimental groups'
students interacted a lot with native speakers of English. Accordingly, a set of
recommendations were provided at the end of this study.