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Abstract
Previous research has addressed the effects of digital storytelling (DST) on verbal English competence and demonstrated that students engage more and learn more effectively. However, the relationship between learner engagement and speaking competence needs a further analysis of the methods wherein a specific DST tool facilitates learner engagement in the learning process and how it influences their speaking skills. Therefore, this study employed Toontastic—an app with the principles of scaffolding embedded to assist learners in producing DST. Results indicated that learners made significant progress in speaking competence as regards fluency and language use; but no significant correlations were observed between learner engagement and fluency as well as between engagement and language use; and topic familiarity and scaffolding embedded within DST were the two major methods in which the app, Toontastic, supported learners in improving speaking competence and learning engagement. The study concluded that using DST helps learners successfully communicate. Implications are disscussed.
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No potential competing interest was reported by the author(s).
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Notes on contributors
Jo Shan Fu
Jo Shan Fu is an Assistant Professor in the English Department at National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan. She graduated from the Curriculum and Instruction Department at Southern Illinois University, USA. Her research interests are computer-assisted language learning, EFL/ESL curriculum design and material development, as well as English for specific purposes.
Shih-Hsien Yang
Shih-Hsien Yang is a Professor in the Applied Foreign Languages Department at National Formosa University in Taiwan. He graduated from the Language Education Department at Indiana University—Bloomington. His research interests are computer- assisted language learning and teacher professional development.
Hui-Chin Yeh
Hui-Chin Yeh is currently a Distinguished Professor and Chair in the Department of Applied Foreign Languages at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology in Taiwan. She received her PhD in language education at Indiana University-Bloomington. Her research interests center on EFL teacher education, computer-assisted language learning, and EFL reading and writing. She has published many articles on these topics in Language Learning & Technology, Computer Assisted Language Learning, Teaching and Teacher Education, British Journal of Educational Technology, Educational Technology Research Development, Educational Technology and Society, ReCALL, Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, Asia Pacific Education Review, System, and Interactive Learning Environment. She received 2017, 2011, and 2021 distinguished young scholar awards from the Ministry of Science and Technology, a 2016 Yunduo award in teaching and mentoring, a 2014 research excellence award, and a 2011 excellent mentor award from her university. Her “Multimedia English” course has been certified as a quality e-learning course form the Ministry of Education in Taiwan. In addition, in recognition of several different language systems developed and 5 patent achievements were honored with the TWPatentDB. She hopes her efforts in different aspects can make contributions to academia.