ICT Integration in Enhancing English Communication Skills

As English Language is gaining in prominence as the international language of trade and industry, there is an outcry by the private sector in Malaysia and other third world countries that students graduating from schools cannot fit into the job market because of poor English communication skills. Little is really known on factors that contribute to low communicative competence in English Language and the impact and integration of ICT tools in English Language teaching and learning. Against this concern, this study was undertaken with the purpose to unfold and understand the need for integration of ICT tools in the teaching and learning of oral communication skills. The study further examines the benefits of integrating ICT tools, the success factors and obstacles encountered by teachers in ICT integration. A Virtual English Language Tool (VELT) had been created to show how ICT integrated activities together with the use of instant messaging tools can improve the oral proficiency of students. This study would be of particular interest to TESL teacher trainers as well as in-service teachers who encounter problems in teaching oral communication skills.