Developing Iraqi EFL Learners’ Interaction Competence Using Mobile and Computer-Based Audio-Visual Videos: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Communicating effectively requires effective methods techniques, such as YouTube. This study aims at revealing the effectiveness of using YouTube as a learning tool to help foreign language learners develop their interactive competence. The study population are consisted of 64 learners of English as a foreign language at Sumaya Preparatory School for Boys during the second semester of the academic year 2018/2019. The researcher is selected 40 students randomly to perform as a sample of the study. A pre-test is used to measure the level of learners before conducting the study, two months later, after completion the experiment, the same test is applied, under the same conditions, on the same sample to measure whether there are any differences in the experimental and control groups' mean scores due to using the new method, that is YouTube. The results are revealed that the experimental group students have developed more than the control group due to using YouTube. In other words, YouTube introduces a new experience for learners to develop speaking skills. YouTube has helped learners develop learners’ competency on how to use language in context. The researcher recommended conducting more studies to develop other communication skills among the students..