Investigating Adobe Connect Platform in Language Learning Contexts; A Case of Iranian EFL Learners

This mixed methods study examined the class participation in Adobe connect language classes. It also investigated the strengths and weaknesses of Adobe connect. To this end, ۱۰۰ Iranian EFL learners were selected based on availability sampling from Guilan university, Iran. They were asked to fill in the questionnaires. Then, to add to the study’s data, ۱۰ learners who filled in the questionnaire were chosen for the interview. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with each participant and each participant agreed to be interviewed once only in their recess time between two classes. In the interview, the open-ended questions were asked from a pre-defined list of interviewing questions. The interviewer’s questions aimed to triangulate the data. All the semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded with the consent of the interviewees. The gathered data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings revealed that Adobe connect was beneficial and advantageous for Iranian EFL learners’ participation. The results also indicated that the strengths of Adobe connect included encouraging the students’ engagement, motivation, pleasantly facilitating their learning, making learning English easier, and making funny atmosphere for learning. As far as the weaknesses of Adobe connect are concerned, the results revealed that they consisted of technical difficulty, suitability and incompatibility to the lesson content, lack of feedback, and inaccessibility to all students. Finally, the theoretical and pedagogical implications are provided.

Keywords:

Adobe connect , Class Participation , Educational Software , Iranian EFL Learners , Technology