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Articles

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2021): Technology enhanced learning in the MENA region

Benefits and barriers of online speaking practice: A case study in the United Arab Emirates

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21428/8c225f6e.cf3e7823
Submitted
8 August 2026
Published
15-08-2026

Abstract

This exploratory case study reports on the design and implementation of online speaking practice in the context of IELTS preparation courses in a private, non-profit national university in the UAE. Providing speaking practice can be challenging in classes with high student numbers and limited class time. Therefore, online speaking assignments were designed to fulfil students’ need for more speaking practice. Students were required to prepare, then record their responses to IELTS type questions and share them with classmates. Two device agnostic voice recording apps were used: VoiceThread and SoundCloud. The study examines students’ perceptions on the assignments through a mixed-method approach to identify benefits and barriers of such assignments. Findings show an improvement in how students perceive their speaking skills, fluency, self-confidence, collaboration, peer learning, and autonomy through error detection and self-correction. The barriers, however, can be categorised within three main areas: technical, motivational, and cultural values. Although the findings are relevant to this particular context, the study contributes to the research on the use of asynchronous voice recording web tools in the Middle East, particularly with reference to cultural values as a barrier. It also provides a practical example of the use of such tools.

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