Synchronous computer-mediated communication in English pronunciation teaching: A case study of Rovira i Virgili University

ABSTRACT

Remote learning has been in the spotlight since the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, notably boosting the development of distance learning in the last two years;as universities were obliged to close worldwide and lecturers had to teach online during lockdown, the use of Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication (SCMC) started to prevail. Pronunciation instruction was not an exception. Indeed, in-person lectures had used technology to support face-to-face (F2F) education by using videos and articles in class. However, educators had to adapt rapidly to teach through video -based platforms. Although much investigation has been conducted on Computer-Assisted Pronunciation Training (CAPT), and researchers currently show more and more interest in the use of new technologies within the pronunciation classroom, little research has been done regarding the teaching methodologies applied in teacher-guided online pronunciation instruction. Along these lines, this study examines English undergraduates' insights who took pronunciation courses remotely at Rovira i Virgili University during the COVID-19 crisis. Findings show that participants were highly satisfied with the adaptation of the course, rating all the activities and methods used above 4 on a scale of 5. Thus, pronunciation can be taught effectively via SCMC, although a larger sample is needed to reach more conclusive results.