Are Students Relying on Scripts in their Oral Presentations Online?

Abstract

As an essential mode of communication, oral presentation plays an important role in the development of second language (L2) automaticity. However, unless best practices are carried out—massive meaningful practice, when presenting seldom relying on the script, in conversational style, and keeping meaningful eye contact with the audience—oral presentation will not be impactful. This paper discusses through a progressive action research in two Chinese as a second language (CSL) classes how using duo devices with video call Apps including WeChat group video call, FaceTime, and Google Duo can successfully help instructors to prevent cheating during oral presentation and thus uphold best practices.