Digital communication activities and EFL learners' willingness to communicate and engagement: Exploring the intermediate language learners’ perceptions

Abstract

EFL/ESL teachers have used digital communication activities to teach language skills. However, the effect of digital communication activities on EFL learners' Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in classrooms and learner engagement has yet to be well investigated. This study examined the influence of digital communication activities on the engagement and willingness to communicate of intermediate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. It also assessed the potential advantages of integrating digital communication into language learning contexts. A mixed-methods approach involving pretest-posttest comparisons and qualitative interviews was employed. In the quantitative phase, four intact classes of 80 intermediate Chinese EFL learners were recruited and assigned to control and experimental groups. They attempted the scales (WTC and engagement) before and after treatment. However, 20 EFL learners exposed to digital communication activities were interviewed. The research revealed notable enhancements in affective, cognitive, and behavioral engagement among the experimental group. Moreover, a substantial positive effect on EFL learners' willingness to communicate was observed, particularly in speaking, writing, reading, and comprehension activities. Findings have practical implications for EFL teachers and learners to use digital communication activities to enhance the learners' WTC in the classroom and different aspects of engagement.