The effectiveness of iPad and computer-based recording applications on oral proficiency in a 7th grade Spanish class

In an effort to prepare students to become global citizens and communicators of foreign languages, the role of teaching methods, particularly those related to oral proficiency, has been changing over time. Teachers have become more aware, now more than ever, that in order to increase oral proficiency in the classroom, students must practice their speaking skills in authentic ways that are meaningful to them. Technology has played an important role in this initiative and has provided ways for students to record and evaluate their speaking, collaborate with peers digitally, share ideas with peers and speakers of other languages outside of the classroom, and most importantly become engaged in the language acquisition process. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of IPAD applications, specifically Videolicious (story-telling application) and Audio Dropbox (voice-recording application), on oral proficiency in a 7th grade Spanish class. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used, over a period of four weeks with 35 seventh grade participants.;The results of this study suggested that Videolicious and Audio Dropbox supported an increase in oral proficiency among the students. The majority of the students demonstrated growth in levels of oral proficiency. The results, however, showed mixed findings in regard to the students' overall attitudes and feelings toward the technology used. Overall, the results showed that students benefited from the use of technological recording applications in the classroom.