THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TECHNOLOGY-INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES IN ENHANCING SPEAKING SKILLS OF UPPER SECONDARY EFL STUDENTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN UZBEKISTAN AND LITHUANIA
Keywords:
technology-integrated activities, speaking skills, EFL, upper secondary students, phenomenon-based learning, augmented reality, digital tools, Uzbekistan, LithuaniaAbstract
This comparative study investigates the effectiveness of technology-integrated activities in developing English speaking proficiency among 10th–11th grade EFL students in Uzbekistan and Lithuania. Drawing on recent empirical research from both countries, the study compares digital tools (mobile applications, augmented reality, English-language media, and blended learning) used in Uzbekistan with phenomenon-based learning (PhenoBL) and video creation practices in Lithuania. The findings demonstrate that technology-integrated activities significantly improve students’ speaking confidence, reduce anxiety, enhance fluency and vocabulary use, and increase motivation. In Uzbekistan, digital resources help overcome limited classroom speaking practice, while in Lithuania, PhenoBL combined with technology fosters real-life communication and emancipates students from fear of mistakes. The study highlights both opportunities and challenges, such as teacher training and infrastructure gaps. Practical recommendations for EFL teachers and policymakers are provided to support effective technology integration in upper secondary education.
References
Bamanger, E. (2025). Augmented Reality in EFL Education: Transforming High School Student Achievement Through Interactive Learning Tools. Journal of Technology Studies, 50(1), 30–41. https://doi.org/10.21061/jts.439
British Council. (2022). English Impact Report – Uzbekistan. https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/british_council_english_impact_report_-_uzbekistan_min.pdf
Ciuciulkiene, N., Tandzegolskiene-Bielaglove, I., & Culadiene, M. (2023). Phenomenon-Based Learning in Teaching a Foreign Language: Experiences of Lithuanian Teachers. Social Sciences, 12, 670. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12120670
InLibrary. (2025). TEACHING SPEAKING USING ENGLISH-LANGUAGE MEDIA at the senior stage of education in a secondary school. https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/science-research/article/view/99010
Jankauskaitė-Jokūbaitienė, V. (2023). The Effectiveness of Video Creation in the ESL Classroom in Lithuania: A Case Study. Rasprave Instituta za Hrvatski Jezik i Jezikoslovlje, 49(2). https://epublications.vu.lt/object/elaba:184924525/184924525.pdf
Lingvospektr. (2025). The role of digital resources in English teaching in Uzbekistan. https://lingvospektr.uz/index.php/lngsp/article/view/544
Marrahi-Gómez, V., & Belda-Medina, J. (2024). Assessing the effect of Augmented Reality on English language learning and student motivation in secondary education. Frontiers in Education. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1359692
OECD. (2023). Strengthening Upper Secondary Education in Lithuania. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/strengthening-upper-secondary-education-in-lithuania_a69409d7-en.html
The USA Journals. (2026). The Role of Digital Tools in Enhancing Communication Skills in High School English Instruction. https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps/article/view/9481
World Science Pub. (2026). DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATION IN EFL CLASSROOM: Challenges and Opportunities for Uzbek Teachers. https://worldsiencepub.com/index.php/icmsi/article/view/6573






Azerbaijan
Türkiye
Uzbekistan
Kazakhstan
Turkmenistan
Kyrgyzstan
Republic of Korea
Japan
India
United States of America
Kosovo