Exploring The Use Of New Media In The Study Of Communicative Skills In Off-Classroom Spaces: A Case Study

Abstract

A huge body of literature exists on the application of new media technologies in enhancing instructional delivery. However, not much has been written on how students deploy new media and the gratifications they derive from them, especially in off-classroom spaces. The purpose of this study was to explore how first-year students of Cape Coast Technical University use new media tools in studying Communicative Skills outside the classroom. The qualitative case study purposively sampled 30 first-year students of CCTU, using a semi-structured interview guide. Drawing on the theory of uses and gratifications, the study uncovered six main benefits of CCTU’s students’ use of new media in the study of Communicative Skills in off-classroom settings. These were cognition of concepts, communication, access to resources, collaboration and participation in learning, and handling of assignments and exercises. The study also found that misuse of technology, poor network infrastructure, resistance to change and poor feedback were the main challenges the students encountered in their use of new media. The study concluded that new media tools provide self-regulated learning opportunities for students to study Communicative Skills. Recommendations in relation to media use and their implications for teaching instructional communication, in general, and Communicative Skills, in particular, are given.