TABLE OF CONTENTS
STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP ................................................................... i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................. ii
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................... iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................. iv
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................................... vii
LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................... viii
LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................... ix
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ..................................................................... 1
1.1 Research rationale ................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 Theoretical reasons........................................................................... 1
1.1.2 Contextual reasons ........................................................................... 2
1.2 Aim and objectives of the study .............................................................. 3
1.3 Research questions .................................................................................. 3
1.4 Scope of the study ................................................................................... 4
1.5 Significance of the study ......................................................................... 4
1.6 Definitions of important terms ................................................................ 5
1.6.1 Online learning ................................................................................. 5
1.6.2 Speaking skills ................................................................................. 5
1.6.3 Context of online learning at Quy Nhon University ........................ 5
1.7 Structure of the thesis .............................................................................. 6
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW .......................................................... 8
2.1 Online learning ........................................................................................ 8
2.1.1 The overview of online learning ...................................................... 8
2.1.2 Online learning in Vietnam during the Covid-19 pandemic.......... 11
v
2.1.3 Computer-mediated communication (CMC) ................................. 11
2.1.4 The role of the instructor/ teacher in an online classroom ............. 15
2.1.5 Teachers and students’ perceptions of online learning .................. 16
2.2 Online learning of speaking skills ......................................................... 18
2.2.1 Speaking skills ............................................................................... 18
2.2.2 Challenges facing learners in the online learning of speaking skills
during the Covid-19 pandemic ................................................................ 22
2.3 Previous related studies ......................................................................... 24
Chapter 3: METHODOLOGY ........................................................................ 31
3.1 Research approach ................................................................................ 31
3.2 Participants ............................................................................................ 32
3.2.1 Research setting ............................................................................. 32