LEVERAGING DIGITAL PLATFORMS TO BOOST SPEAKING SKILLS IN VIRTUAL CLASSROOMS

This study investigates the effectiveness of digital platforms for the improvement of oral skills within virtual classrooms, focusing on Vocaroo, Flipgrid, Quizizz, Zoom and HelloTalk. The literature review highlights the critical role of digital tools in language learning, emphasizing their unique features: Vocaroo enables flexible speech recording and review, Flipgrid fosters collaboration through interactive video responses, Zoom facilitates real-time communication, Quizizz integrates gamification with language practice, and HelloTalk provides conversational exchanges with native speakers. The aim of the research is to assess the impact of these platforms on language proficiency by analyzing learner engagement, learning outcomes, and platform-specific features. Adopting a mixed methods approach, the study involved 80 intermediate level English language learners from the Technical University of Babahoyo. During a six-week experimental period, participants used these tools to develop their oral skills. The findings show that the digital platforms significantly improved opportunities to practice speaking, followed by listening comprehension, with minimal impact on reading and writing. Flipgrid and HelloTalk were particularly effective in fostering active participation and confidence, while Quizizz demonstrated a stronger connection to reading and writing tasks than to speaking. The study concludes that platforms such as Vocaroo, Flipgrid, HelloTalk and Quizizz effectively improve learners' fluency, confidence and pronunciation in virtual classrooms. These tools create dynamic, interactive environments that stress speaking and listening skills, resulting in notable gains in students' oral proficiency and communication skills in online learning contexts.