Technology and Language Learning: Exposure to TV and Radio News and Speaking Proficiency

Abstract

Technology has dominated the world by extensive improvements in audio/visual mass media such as TV and radio. TV and radio are not just entertainment tools anymore, but can be used as pedagogically valuable technology that can provide authentic language input for language learning. This study examines the effect of exposure to TV and radio news on improving EFL learners’ speaking proficiency. To achieve this purpose, a speaking proficiency test is administered to 200 language learners, with 60 intermediate language learners selected and randomly divided into Groups 1 and 2. During the experiment, Group 1 participants are exposed to TV and radio news inside and outside the classroom, while Group 2 participants are only exposed to selected utterances extracted from different kinds of TV and radio programs other than news. At the end of the experiment, both groups take another sample speaking proficiency test to determine any significant improvement in their speaking proficiency. The results of the post-test indicate that Group 1 participants performed better than Group 2 participants, proving that exposure to TV and radio news promotes EFL learners’ speaking proficiency.