Implementation of Self-Assessment Through the Production of a Sustained Monologue to Develop Speaking Skills.

Abstract

The internet has become a global phenomenon, and people are creating virtual environments presented mainly in English. Today more than ever, learners need to understand the importance of English to succeed in this modern technological world. Globalization is a reality, and English is the lingua Franca that connects humans in the digital world; for that reason, learners should be competent enough to develop themselves in these new challenges. As Östürk (2021) said, “There are, of course, many reasons for the dominance of English in the world; however, today, the reality is that English is the international lingua franca.” (p.58). The pandemic scenario made technology necessary for learning since remote working relies heavily on internet tools which facilitate the interaction between teacher and student. Ecuadorian educational system was not the exception to the pandemic policies implemented worldwide, as stated by Parrales and Villafuerte (2021): "In relation to the current situation where COVID-19 pandemic issue becomes a global issue affecting worldwide, it affects the learning process in Ecuador as well. The COVID-19 pandemic situation has led to changes in Ecuador's national educational system. As a result, the online and hybrid education model emerges, expecting to keep up the younger generations with their learning activities" (p. 100). This paradigm of hybrid education creates new challenges about how the actors of the learning process develop to build knowledge. At the same time, this paradigm opens a window for creative professionals to design activities according to the necessities of the situation.