Investigating the Effectiveness of Implementing ICT to Teach and Assess EFL Learners’ Speaking Fluency and Accuracy: the Case of First Year Students at the English Department at Kasdi Merbah- Ouargla

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the effectiveness of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching and assessing speaking fluency and accuracy among first-year English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners at Kasdi Merbah University-Ouargla. The research addresses the critical need to identify pedagogical strategies that enhance language proficiency in increasingly technology-driven educational environments. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study gathers qualitative and quantitative data through student performance assessments, surveys measuring engagement, and observations of speaking exercises facilitated by ICT tools. The findings indicate a significant improvement in both fluency and accuracy among learners exposed to ICT-enabled instruction compared to traditional methods. Specifically, the incorporation of digital tools fostered greater student interaction, increased motivation, and enhanced learning outcomes. These results underscore the importance of integrating technology in EFL pedagogy, contributing valuable insights for educators and curriculum developers. The implications extend beyond  general language teaching, suggesting that similar ICT methodologies could be adapted in diverse fields, potentially enriching communication training by promoting engagement and effective practice in speaking skills for  English for Specific Purposes (ESP) . This study ultimately advocates for the broader adoption of ICT in language instruction and its potential benefits in various professional domains, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing research to refine these methods and measure their impact on learner outcomes.