Boosting English Speaking Skills through IT Integration: Students’ Learning Experience Using Duolingo and Cake Applications

Abstract

This research examines the utilization of Duolingo and Cake applications, incorporating information technology, to enhance students' English speaking abilities. The study involved ten English language learners who used these applications as supplementary resources for practicing speaking. Data collection included gathering feedback and conducting thematic analysis. The results indicated that the integration of Duolingo and Cake had a positive impact on students' speaking skills, specifically in terms of sentence structures and pronunciation. Participants expressed increased motivation and engagement, attributing it to immediate feedback and exposure to authentic language. The thematic analysis identified several key themes, including the effectiveness of the applications, the benefits of gamified learning, challenges encountered, and overall satisfaction. This research contributes to the existing literature on integrating information technology into language learning, underscoring the potential of Duolingo and Cake to enhance English speaking abilities. It highlights the significance of incorporating technology in language classrooms and provides valuable insights for educators, curriculum designers, and researchers. The findings suggest that utilizing such applications can provide learners with valuable interactive opportunities to practice and enhance their English speaking skills.