“We are responsive on Zoom, but…”

Abstract

This study explored forty-eight English as a second language learners’ perceptions of and attitudes towards pre-task planning in synchronous video-based computer-mediated (SvCMC) and real-time face-to-face (F2F) communication. The participants, randomly divided into SvCMC and F2F groups, performed a planned and unplanned task in SvCMC/F2F conditions. Interviews were conducted immediately after task performance to capture their perceptions of and attitudes towards pre-task planning and the communication modes. The findings revealed that over half of them perceived the usefulness of pre-task planning and favoured F2F to SvCMC. The participants’ opinions for pre-task planning were elaborated regarding the differences between the ±planning conditions concerning multitasking, organization planning, content preparation, real-world relevance, and responsiveness among non-planners. Their attitudes towards SvCMC and F2F were explained by the different natures of the communication modes and pair/group dynamics. The findings shed light on teaching L2 speaking in physical and virtual settings.