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The effect of modality on oral task performance in voice, video, and VR-based environments

Synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) is a topic of great interest in CALL literature where research has investigated the effectiveness of SCMC compared to traditional face-to-face instruction. However, there are few studies that investigate the intrinsic differences in SCMC modes, particular in terms of their effect on oral communication. At the JALTCALL 2019 conference, we introduced research which assessed the anxiety-reducing affordances of VR. This year we presented results of a follow-up study which focused on the effect of SCMC modality on learners’ speaking performance. 30 participants (15 pairs) completed a spot-the-difference task within three different SCMC modes: voice, video, and virtual reality (VR). Using the complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF) model, participants’ oral task performances were analysed. Results suggest that the voice mode promoted the highest structural complexity, however, the VR mode promoted the highest lexical complexity. Findings therefore suggest that different modes of communication may be used to focus on different skill development. Additionally, practitioners should consider how modality affects learner anxiety and choose the most appropriate system for their students and needs. This paper introduces the VR system, a detailed analysis of results, pedagogical implications, and future research directions for the use of VR in language teaching contexts.