Microsoft Teams Based Automated Evaluation of Saudi Undergraduates Reading Fluency

Reading fluency is one of the most important factors for successful reading. The aim of this study was to assess language learners’ reading skills (fluency) based on their reading performance. It also evaluated the usefulness and reliability of the Microsoft Reading Progress tool for reading assessment. The sample consisted of 30 Saudi undergraduate students studying English as a foreign language (EFL) via blended learning at Taibah University. The findings demonstrated that all learners performed differently when reading the first and second texts, based on the automated feedback generated by Microsoft Teams. In addition, the results indicated that learners are at ‘instructional level’ in reading the first text while they are at ‘frustration level’ in reading the second text. However, the teachers needed to listen to and check the recordings, as there were some errors in the generated results. Overall, the Reading Progress tool is recommended for helping Saudi EFL learners improve their reading performance and overcome reading difficulties by enabling them to practise reading at their own pace. The tool can also help teachers keep track of learners’ progress and assign individual activities based on the results.