INTEGRATING HTML5-BASED SPEECH RECOGNITION WITH LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO ENHANCE EFL LEARNERS’ PRONUNCIATION SKILLS

Abstract

HTML5 (HyperText Markup Language version 5) is currently integrated with almost all web-based applications due to its compatibility with numerous types of multimedia content including music, video, and animation. This exploratory study focused on the application and assessment of an HTML5-based plugin called H5P as a Computer Assisted Pronunciation Training (CAPT) tool in developing the pronunciation skills of intermediate-level learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). The target words were initially recorded with their correct pronunciations and then the audio files were imported into H5P to create interactive exercises. The H5P was then integrated with the institutional Learning Management System (LMS).  The practice was implemented on n=188 EFL learners enrolled in the General Foundation (GFP) of a university college in the Sultanate of Oman. The efficacy of the approach was assessed through the perspectives of students by using student questionnaires and a student focus group discussion (FGD). The study yielded encouraging findings since most of the students agreed that the use of HTML5 as a CAPT tool was helpful in enhancing their pronunciation skills as it provided automatically generated instant feedback, was easy to use, and could be used by students autonomously at their own pace. Although the impact of software on student achievement in terms of pronunciation skills could not be gauged and the sample was limited to one institution, the study has useful implications for EFL teachers and curriculum designers on using HTML5 for developing pronunciation skills. Further studies are necessary to investigate the pedagogic potential of CAPT resources to develop a high level of competence in EFL learners’ pronunciation.