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This study explores the effects of different chat tools on EFL speaking and writing. A total of 41 Korean college students participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: Computer chat (n = 20) and mobile chat (n = 21). During the 10-week experiment, participants in computer chat engaged in chat through a computer, while those in mobile chat joined through a mobile phone. They participated in chat for 10 minutes twice a week. Speaking and writing pre-tests were administered before the treatment, while post-tests were administered after the treatment. Interviews were then conducted. Participants’ oral and written performance was evaluated by examining fluency, accuracy, and complexity. For analysis, descriptive statistics, paired samples t-tests, independent samples t-tests, and a one-way ANCOVA were computed. Findings revealed that computer chat improved speaking fluency and complexity, while mobile chat developed speaking fluency as well as writing fluency and complexity. In particular, computer chat outperformed mobile chat in terms of speaking fluency and complexity. As for writing fluency and complexity, both computer and mobile chat turned out to be equally effective. Interview results indicated that all participants perceived online chat activities positively. Based on these findings, pedagogical implications and suggestions for future research have been drawn. |
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