The Effect of Online Interaction via Microsoft Teams Private Chat on Enhancing the Communicative Competence of Introverted Students

Abstract

The history of language education has witnessed the emergence of various approaches and methods to circumvent learning difficulties. Some of them were very effective and continue to be popular, whereas others were short-lived and less effective. The latest trend is technology-enhanced language learning, which became necessary during the recent pandemic. As a result, various learning platforms were created and tested to enhance online education. Despite the apparent disadvantages of online learning, it has undoubtedly produced a positive impact on learning styles. A notable change is the possibilities for individualised instruction and self-learning, which can provide additional support to introverted students. The major challenges introverted students face in second language acquisition are low self-esteem, lack of motivation and high anxiety. These negative attitudes often hinder successful language learning. However, one of the latest learning platforms, MS Teams Meeting, offers an additional feature for interaction known as Private Chat, which enables learners to communicate with their teachers and peers without disrupting the regular class. Besides, it helps students regulate the learning process according to their preferred time and pace and get extended one-on-one support from teachers. Moreover, this technology-based interactive tool facilitates asynchronous learning, thus enabling introverted students to overcome learning difficulties that act as affective filters and become independent learners. This small-scale experimental study shows that the use of Microsoft Private Chat for teacher-student interaction significantly contributes to the communicative competence of introverted students as it helps lower anxiety and boosts motivation and self-confidence.