Abstract:
This qualitative study explores the use of voice messages and short videos
through WhatsApp application to enhance the communicative skills of EFL B1
learners between the age of 18 to 25 in an Ecuadorian University. The study reveals the
impact of the uses WhatsApp application for EFL learners. It shows that short videos
improve the uses of grammar and pronunciation more than voice messages which in
turn enhance learners´ speaking skills in L2. Their improvement in communicative
skills were noted due to the use of WhatsApp application. Participants used voice
messages and short videos through WhatsApp application in the classroom according
to the activities in teachers´ lesson plans. Surveys, interviews, and observation were
used to collect qualitative data from the participants, and descriptive statistics and cross
tabulation were applied to analyze data. The analysis of data showed that the use of
short videos is significant more effective than the voice messages to enhance the
communicative skills of participants.
