The Effectiveness of Telecollaborative Learning Activities on Students' Performance in English

Learning English as a second language poses a challenge to both Filipino professionals and students. To help raise achievement levels in English content subjects, a telecollaborative approach incorporating information and communication technology (ICT) was used as a tool for teaching English as a Second Language. Through the telecollaborative approach, Filipino high school students who participated in the study were exposed to authentic learning environments in which they communicated using the English language. The approach focused on communication, collaboration, and information management skills, three skills that can not only hone students’ English language proficiency but also develop their critical thinking skills. Learning gains as measured by a pre and post test indicate that students who were exposed to the telecollaborative approach outperformed their peers who followed the standard English curriculum. The largest mean gain score differences were found in reading skills, followed by writing and library skills.