Impact of Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication (SCMC) on English Language Teaching at Under Graduate Level in Federal Universities of Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) on English language learning at the undergraduate level in Federal Universities of Pakistan. It attempts to capture the effect of diverse modalities i.e. Video conferencing, Text-based, audio conferencing, and both audio and text-based modes of SCMC in English language learning. Data is collected from four HEC approved universities, comprising 110 undergraduate English language students and 50 English language faculty with the help of two survey-based questionnaires. This research finds that SCMC opens a window of opportunities for language learning and teaching in real-time settings and helps as an effective tool for fostering English language learner`s interaction. The study concludes that SCMC helps in building negotiation strategies that reduce anxiety in interactive communication. It further suggests that with technological advances language learners experience more affordances with SCMC which improves autonomous learning.

        Keywords: synchronous computer-mediated communication, video conferencing, audio conferencing, negotiation strategies, autonomous learning, interactive communication.