Digital Communication Platforms as a tool to improve the international communication competence of Pakistani ESL learners

Abstract

The use of digital communication technologies by English learners has changed rapidly and is changing their ways of communicating with, and learning from, others all over the world. The present study explores the possibility of digital communication networks as a tool to improve Pakistani ESL students' international communication proficiency. The present study looks at social media app, Zoom, YouTube and WhatsApp related to digital literacy, intercultural awareness, communicative confidence and language competency. The data collection was achieved by using semi-structured interviews and survey of the ESL learners at university level of Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate their experience with digital platforms, their perception of the effectiveness of digital platforms, and what challenges they have when communicating online. International communication competence should be expected to be developed through using digital platforms as meaningful opportunities for language and intercultural communication and global interaction. The results are supposed to give pedagogical implications for the use of digital technologies in the higher education context in English language education.