AN AWARENESS OF MOBILE APPS IN ENRICHING ORATORY SKILLS AMONG STUDENTS AT UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL - gradiva review JOURNAL

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                                ISSN NO : 0363-8057

          AN AWARENESS OF MOBILE APPS IN ENRICHING ORATORY SKILLS AMONG
                        STUDENTS AT UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL
                                                 Author’s Affiliation
                                              Mrs.Md.Roshan Jameer
                                                 Associate Professor
                                            Avinash Commerce of College
                                                     Hyderabad

        ABSTRACT:

        Human relations exist through communication, which is the Principal mechanism. To explain and
        comprehend the different behaviors and phenomena of communications, several theories are put
        forth. Human communication has transfigured or restructured in many forms. Initially humans
        communicated with symbols, speech, writing, painting, music and songs. Radical changes took place
        with mobile communication to recent times with mobile communication and technology. Refinement
        took place in social and cultural areas. So, as the language used to connect has also grown and
        prospered not only on this planet earth, but also able to stretch to space through continuous
        development in communication technology. The study is based on discussions and interactions in the
        form of personal interviews, specific speaking activities like Group discussions to assess their ability to
        enhance speaking skills after using mobile assisted learning like m-apps. The initial stages of an M-
        learning tool are time- consuming as the students find an alien culture of learning to be adopted.
        This study has tried to explore the possible benefits of m-apps in improving students’ oratory skills.
        Summing up, Technology based Mobile learning and teaching tools may be a boon to curriculum only if it
        doesn’t ruin the chief objective of the education process.

        Keywords:
        Human communication, Technology, Mobile application, speaking or oratory skills, curriculum.

                                                 1.INTRODUCTION
        Human relations exist through communication, which is the Principal mechanism. The ‘term’
        communication, which is derived from Latin word “communicator” which means to share or to
        make common. To explain and comprehend the different behaviors and phenomena of
        communications, several theories are put forth. To produce the required outcome some
        purposeful or sensible communication is needed. The characteristic feature which separates
        humans from the rest of the living species is meaningful talk i.e. nothing but “communication.
        “Communication forms a special or unique bonding between two or more participants. Different
        forms of communication prevail while expressing one’s emotions. Human communication has
        transfigured or restructured in many forms. Initially humans communicated with symbols,
        speech, writing, painting, music and songs. Radical changes took place with mobile
        communication to recent times with mobile communication and technology.

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                         ISSN NO : 0363-8057

        In olden days, humans used typical methods to pass the message like making loud drum sounds
        to alert about the coming danger, in the thick jungle. Sending pigeons as messengers to remote
        places. Signaled through smoke which is interpreted by the distant observers as a warning
        sign. During war time- signals are sent through flags and lights. Therefore, humans cannot deny
        the fact that in every stage of one’s life, one has to connect and communicate with the rest of the
        fellow beings, without which they cannot survive. So, communication becomes indispensable
        and ineradicable in human life.
        According to Person and Nelson (2000)
               “Communication is defined as the process of understanding and sharing meaning.”
               “Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual
        valuing.’
          -Rollo May

          Fig:1.1. Process of communication
                Refinement took place in social and cultural areas. So, as the language used to connect
        has also grown and prospered not only on this planet earth, but also able to stretch to space
        through continuous development in communication technology. At present, there are no
        impediments or barriers in communication like space, time and distance. Time has changed,
        requirements are altered in different forms. More challenges are yet to be experienced. And this
        can be attained only when we adopt new technology. Today’s scenario is entirely different from
        the older ones. But the need to communicate with others remains the same.
                Methods and modes of communication have altered but motto and purpose still remains
        unaltered. Any kind of language used to communicate is no doubt an essential thing: its chief
        purpose is as a tool to transform the information. History of language study dates back to many
        million years. Today around 5000 languages are spoken in the entire world. But only a few are
        grouped by the scholars. The most popular group of languages used since 3000 BC is Indo-
        European. Half of the world’s population speaks this language. During the late 20 century,
                                                                                                th

        there was an urgent need for a global language for practical purposes. Which would meet the
        requirement of the mass international public? English language became the ‘Lingua Franca’ or
        linking language to all the domains such computing, trading, commerce, business, shipping,
        medicine, engineering etc. Various scientists, discoveries, researches strived hard to design the
        different modes and methods of teaching and learning English language in the field of education.

                                        2.REVIEW OF LITERATURE

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        Language Acquisition:
        Chomsky’s theory of language acquisition is based on the idea that all languages contain similar
        structures and rules and the fact that children everywhere acquire language the same way, and
        without much effort, seems to indicate that we’re born wired with the basics already present in
        our brains.
        Adam Szczegielniak defines language acquisition as:
        Language is extremely complex, yet children learn most of the grammar of their native language
        before they are five years old.

        Language Learning:
        Agnes Kukulska-Hulme(The Open University,UK) in language learning defined by time and
        place:A framework for next generation designs says that:
        Language learning is changing in mobile technology- rich landscape and under the influence of
        new learner practices stemming from personal perceptive are the best places for learning and
        utilising the available time.
        Dictionaries of present English
        “Nelson Mandela says”:
               “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head, if you talk to
        him in his language that goes to his heart……”
        Frank Smith defines…..
             “Language is not a genetic gift, it is a social gift, learning a new language is becoming a
        member of the club- the community of speakers of that language.
        John Holt:
                “Learning is not the product of teaching. Learning is the product of the activity of
        learners.

        Process of Language Learning:
        Language learning is lifelong and dynamic which prevails from birth to death of an
        individual. In order to strive on this planet earth, students develop or acquire language learning
        in order to communicate their emotions and build healthy relationships at the workplace and
        family relationship. Mastery over language learning should yield some delightful experience for
        accomplishing the desired set of goals.
                Different strategies are proposed by scholars on LLS(Language Learning Strategies) ;
        one such study by Kamurul Shukri Mat The (University Sultan Zainal Abidin/UnisZA) states
        that learning strategies can either be an action or a mental activity or both.

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                          ISSN NO : 0363-8057

                The main motto of language learning is to enable proficiency and efficacy among the
        target audience.
                Purpura(1997) defined LLs as conscious or unconscious mental or behavioural activity
        that relate directly or indirectly to specific stages in the process of second language acquisition.
               Nisbet(1986) stated that LLS is always purposeful and goal –oriented, but perhaps not
        always carried out at a conscious or deliberate level.
        In the article,
                “The Natural Process of language learning” by E.V.Gatenby explains that every common
        child tries to learn language naturally in one's mother tongue with much ease. No artificial
        environment as such is created to acquire or learn the language. Various modes of learning and
        developing language exist, but the underlying concept of this adoption is to gain command over
        language. Eventually, learning should contribute to career enhancement or skill
        development. The zeal to acquire knowledge and apply in the real-time world should be of
        utmost concern during language learning. And parallel educators should show the path by
        constantly updating and adopting newness in the process of language learning.

         Language Teaching:
        Language Teaching equips or facilitates the learner with creative thinking, life skills, memory
        sharpening techniques and also builds spatial abilities language facilitators should possess
        scientific appeal and linguistic proficiency to reach the psychological standards of the learners
        group.
        George Crane says:
                “Language is the apparel in which your thoughts parade before the public.
        According to………:
        In the last five decades, English Language Teaching has switched to its primary
        function. Mainly from the native language of nations USA OR UK to global language.
               Number of theories on language acquisition and teaching methodologies are introduced
        in English language teaching like
        Theories of language acquisition: Krashen(1982) says:
                Intuitive acquisition: we learn another language the same way as we learnt our
        first: intuitive acquisition through lots of exposure to the language in authentic communicative
        situations.
        Based on the depiction/supposition of skinner (1957)
        Habit formation: Language is a set of habits: we mimic and memorize and drill the patterns of
        the language until we learn to produce the correct forms automatically.
        Chomsky defines (1957):

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                       ISSN NO : 0363-8057

                Language involves understanding of underlying rules: if we master the rules, we will be
        able to produce the correct forms automatically.
        Johnson (1996) interprets that skill learning: language is a skill. We learn it in school. We
        understand and practise them until we master them and use them fluently and skilfully.
               All the above theories interpreted by the above authors are true to some extent. But these
        ideas can be applicable only when language teaching approaches and methodologies are
        executed in the best way they can.
        In reality, any approach or methodologies should provide ample opportunities to the target group
        by enriching accuracy and fluency in language teaching.

        Benefits of Technology in English Language Learning in present educational
        system:
        Sadia Afrin Shorna, Assistant Professor, Bangladesh and Iffat Jahan Suchona, Lecturer,
        Department of English, University of English, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka in their IOSR
        Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOAR-JHSS) about “Use of Mobile Apps to
        Improve English Language Skills Outside the Bangladeshi University Classrooms ,”
        have discovered that how mobile apps are certainly functional for self-motivated students to
        fulfill their language needs. It was observed that substantial amount of Bangladesh people use
        smart phones and mobile applications to develop their language proficiency outside the
        classroom context, mobile apps can be useful tool in this in a gadget-centered era.
        In the journal “Using Mobile Devices for Improving Learning Outcomes and Teachers’
        Professionalization,” in December,2019 by Inmaculada Garcia-Martinez, Department of
        Pedagogy, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain, Jose Maria Fernandez –Batanero, Dept. of Didactics
        and School Organization, David Cobos Sanchiz, Dept of Education and Social Psychology,
        University of Seville, Spain and Antonio Luque de la Rosa, Dept. of Education, University of
        Almeria, Spain have discussed that “Using inclusion and exclusion criteria in the Web of
        Science and Scopus databases, 16 articles were selected to argue why Mobile learning has
        become a modern innovative approach. They elucidated that mobile apps has improved
        the students’ learning process effectively.”
               Now-a-days, mobile technology has become part and parcel of youngsters. Life, hardly
        one can see youth without smart phones. Utilisation of mobile technology in one’s professional
        and personal life has become mandatory. Language learning apps support the present
        educational system to the core.
        Azadeh Rezaei, Neo Mai, Ahmed Pesaranghader, Multimedia University (MMU), Jalan
        Multimedia, Cyberjaya, Malayssia in their article “The Effect Of Mobile Applications on
        English Vocabulary Acquisition”, in January 2014 have stated that “Wide usage
        of Interactive Multimedia in the form of Mobile Apps has great avenue for the
        communication and education. They also proved that students could enhance learning of
        vocabulary, confidence, class participation and they responded positively towards the use
        of multimedia in education.”

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                          ISSN NO : 0363-8057

                Mobile technology and mobile apps are requisite parts of the learning process. This mode
        of learning is known as mobile learning (m-learning easy. The specific features of m-learning,
        like self-reliant, independent of time, customized cum personal access, ubiquity,
        handy/compactness make m-learning easy. M-learning gives learners scope to use it 24/7
        actively without any barrier. MALL is a subdivision of CALL and this led to another
        advancement in technology, with the acronym SPALL (Smartphone Assisted Language
        Learning) suggested by Leis et al.
        W.Kusumaryani, Dept. of English Education, University Pendelikon Indonesia, B.Musthafa and
        P. Purnawaraman, Dept. of English Education, University Borneo Tarakan, Utara
        Indonesia have observed in “The Influence of Mobile Applications on Students’ Speaking Skill
        and Critical Thinking in English Language Learning,” in 2018 “ International Conference of
        Computer and Informatics Engineering,” that “Mobile Apps used as learning assistance
        positively optimized students’ speaking skill and critical thinking in English language learning .
        It was revealed that students’ were enthusiastic in exploring and practicing mobile learning
        applications although they got problem with unstable internet connection.”
                Because of its unique features, mobile applications are adopted, universally. It is also
        beneficial to acquire foreign language learning. Many researchers, like Jones, Edward and Reid,
        2009, Miangah and Nezarat, 2012; Ono and Ishihara,2011, Wang, Shen, Novak and Pan, 2009)
        show a positive attitude towards Mobile learning. Technology helps to build a separate world of
        our own; a world where one can have choice towards time, place and phase of learning. With a
        variety of m-learning apps one can indulge and excel academic disciplines.
                Using mobile technology allows learners to think out of the box and nurture their passion
        by involving in different activities offered by it. Fusion of two or more activities, leads learners
        to cross the boundaries and attain proficiency in language learning. One can get rid of traditional
        barriers of academic disciplines and rise up to soaring heights by thinking beyond the usual line.
                Technology has become the medium of instruction. It has replaced communication and
        transformed the traditional way of interaction in humans, may it be personal or professional
        interaction.
                Mobile technology has revolutionized the educational system by its plethora of expanded
        features, for the learners, at various levels. The specialized tools which are gifted to learners
        with the technological enhancement made a milestone.
               Further research in this mobile-technology would be definitely an added advantage,
        which users are bestowed with. Learner’s aspiring for futuristic development can be best
        equipped with the realm of knowledge processed by mobile-technology.

                                      3.RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
        The study is based on discussions and interactions in the form of personal interviews, specific
        speaking activities like Group discussions to assess their ability to enhance speaking skills after
        using mobile assisted learning like m-apps.

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                              ISSN NO : 0363-8057

        This paper is based on primary and secondary data. The Primary data has been collected from the
        structured questionnaire administered among 200 undergraduate students across
        Hyderabad(Telangana) and a simple random method has been used to analyze the data. The
        secondary data has been collected from the various websites based on the usage of mobile
        technology in enhancing communication skills among the users specifically students at
        undergraduate and post- graduate level.

                                                 4.OBSERVATION
            1. Have you ever participated in any one of the speaking activities?

        Of the 200 respondents 5% of the respondents answered that they participated in speaking related
        activities in the academics.41% of the respondents participated in speaking activities occasionally, 7.3%
        participated often, 24% concluded that they rarely participated and 21% never ever participated in
        speaking activities.

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                               ISSN NO : 0363-8057

         39% responded that they speak English like a native speaker and 11% of the respondents never spoke
        like a native speaker in English. 30% reacted that thy have sometimes tried to speak English like a native
        speaker.

        Interestingly, 60% of the respondents accepted that they constantly self-motivated and learnt from their
        mistakes whenever they did a mistake while speaking English to correct and overcome their mistakes.
        14% responded that they tried to motivate or correct themselves whenever they was a mistake while
        speaking English, and meagre 2% responded they never learnt from their mistakes.

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                              ISSN NO : 0363-8057

        55% of the respondents were of the opinion that they always think and try to improve speaking skills
        through various techniques and 2.8% were of the opinion that they never use any technique to improve
        speaking skills and 19% were of the opinion that sometimes used techniques to improve speaking skills.

        56% of the respondents strongly agreed and 31.5% also positively reacted that speaking skills are
        essential at any learning activities for better interaction at home, work place , whereas 2% only opined
        that they strongly disagree and 1.7% added that there no relation between speaking skills for better
        learning or easy interaction at home or at workplace.

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                              ISSN NO : 0363-8057

        64% of the respondents agreed that an interviewer looks for communication, listening skills, confidence,
        nonverbal communication in a potential employee. 17% of the respondents felt that only confidence is
        observed by the interviewer in the interview process. 10% of the respondents were of the opinion that
        verbal; communication is the key to impress the interviewer in an interview process.7% of the respo

        Students felt that listening skills is the most important attribute to crack an interview process. 33.5%
        and 43.6% of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed that unfriendly tone may worsen the situation
        during a job interview. 12% remained neutral to the question and 5% and 5.6% strongly disagreed to the
        theory that unfriendly tone has anything to do with worsening of the situation during interview.

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                          ISSN NO : 0363-8057

        88.8% of the respondents confirmed that they never heard about Convo Interview application and they
        have never used the app for practicing mock interview.11.2% of the respondents confirmed that they
        were aware and used the app to prepare for mock interview.

        42.7% remained neutral to mobile app assisting in reducing anxiety or overcome speaking issues. 2.2%
        qnd 10.7% strongly disagreed and agreed to any link between mobile app assisting in overcome
        speaking apprehension. 40% and 4% strongly agreed and agreed to the concept of using mobile app to
        overcome speaking apprehensions and assisting in overcoming anxiety.

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                           ISSN NO : 0363-8057

        8.4% and 56% strongly agreed and agreed to mobile apps and technology having a positive impact to
        improve presentation skills. 25% remained neutral to the link between mobile app and improvement in
        the speech or presentation skills. 8% disagreed t the opinion that technology has anything to do with
        improving presentation skills.

        13.5% and 46% of the respondents agreed that since MNC’S prefer online interviews in the recent past
        so mobile app help prospective candidates in preparing for better placement. 27.5% remained neutral
        and 10% disagreed to mobile app having any impact for placement in MNC’S.

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                        ISSN NO : 0363-8057

                                                 5.ANALYSIS
        Basing on the responses, it was analyzed that majority of the students or respondents are not that
        aware of specific mobile apps used to improve their oratory skills. Although usage of
        smartphones is common phenomena at this juncture, it’s note worthy that undergraduate students
        are not aware of such mobile applications used to develop their oratory skills, which highlights
        that smartphones are only used for amusement and not for skill development. Some of the
        respondents mentioned that self-controlled learning apps have been helpful in enriching their
        communication skills by using mobile apps at their own pace contrary to the common belief that
        such skills can be improvised by well experienced facilitators. Initially the users of m-learning
        apps confronted hurdles in understanding in the usage of the application as it is a self- learning
        app. Over a period students found this app to be user- friendly as it has many benefits like
        learning at one’s own pace, time saving. Many of the respondents also acknowledged that-app
        could get assist to face an interview confidently as they were             well acquainted with
        interpersonal, communication skills. Therefore it has been observed that the students have
        strong will to speak like native speakers but they don’t have proper source to enhance the
        communication skills especially oratory skills.

                                               6.LIMITATIONS
              Responses may be biased. Students should have prior knowledge in the usage of
               technology otherwise it may affect the success of the M-learning environment. For
               students, who prefer their mother-tongue mode of communication may find it difficult to
               navigate as it is based generally in the English language.
              M-Learning is difficult to adopt, as it involves human skills, to be specific motor skills.
              The initial stages of an M-learning tool are time- consuming as the students find an alien
               culture of learning to be adopted
               The negative impact of M-learning on the facilitators is that their creativity is side-
               tracked and not recognized.
              Digitalization has spoon-fed the students, which kills their cognitive skills.

                                              7.CONCLUSIONS
           This study has tried to explore the possible benefits of m-apps in improving students’ oratory
           skills. Summing up, Technology based Mobile learning and teaching tools may be a boon to
           curriculum only if it doesn’t ruin the chief objective of the education process. The
           researchers or educators should aim at transforming the true essence of knowledge or
           information to the mediocre. With the adoption of modern tools, the young minds and
           facilitators can adorn the English language acquisition into limelight. At the same time,
           teachers as well as students should bypass the old system of learning and teaching modes
           and experience the new spur of education.

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GRADIVA REVIEW JOURNAL                                                                          ISSN NO : 0363-8057

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                purity as a disease modifier?. The American Journal of Human Genetics, 78(1), 125-129.

           2.

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