An empirical study on the use of Google classroom platform in Vietnamese EFL speaking classes

The application of Google Classroom in EFL classes is no longer a strange phenomenon amongst educators, especially in Vietnamese context. It is easily known as a combination of the face to face classroom and the high-tech E-Learning with the virtual platform in which students do some extra learnings outside class under the teacher’s supervision. To the best of our knowledge, while blended learning with Google Classroom application classrooms are commonly generated all over the world, very few researches have been conducted to uncover the effect of Google Classroom application on teaching speaking skill at Universities in Viet Nam, or at Phu Yen University to be exact. For this reason, this research aims to discover students’ perceptions towards the use of Google Classroom application as a learning tool for further English speaking practice off the classes. Further more, this research also investigates students’ academic performances based on the increase in the frequency of students’ practice on Google classroom platform compared to solely traditional face-to-face classes. The research was conducted rigorously using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The data in this study were collected from fourty eight students in 2 separated classes, traditional face-to-face class and Google classroom application-integrated class at Phu Yen University. Results from students’ academic performances revealed that Google Classroom could enhance students’ speaking skill as well as boost their engagement in speaking practice.