Promoting listening skills with an educational tool: VoScreen

Abstract

In the modern digital age, educational technologies have become valuable resources that effectively support language learning and facilitate the development of various language skills. Among these skills, listening proficiency is of paramount importance as it is indispensable for effective communication and comprehension. With the increasing popularity of communicative approaches, the integration of educational technologies into language instruction has gained momentum due to their ability to provide learners with authentic listening experiences, exposure to diverse accents, and targeted practice opportunities. Considering the potential advantages of these technologies, the present study explores the efficacy of VoScreen in enhancing listening skills at the tertiary level. The study included 45 EFL learners at the tertiary level. Quantitative data were gathered through a pretest and a posttest while qualitative data were obtained through an evaluation and suggestion form. The findings revealed a statistically significant difference in learners' pretest and posttest listening scores. Moreover, learners' evaluations highlighted the contribution of VoScreen to their success in the target skill and other sub-skills. This study sheds light on the promising potential of educational technologies for enhancing learners' listening abilities.