Using Virtual Portfolios to Improve Presentations in an EFL Setting

Abstract

This paper discusses using video sharing websites to create online virtual portfolios as a medium in which to engage English as a foreign language(EFL)students in authentic language use for the purpose of improving oral presentation skills through self-evaluation and peer review and interaction. Oral presentations are a common feature in EFL in east Asia, in which peer review isoften employed as an effective method for increasing time spent in second language(L2)use as well as learner autonomy and motivation.This paper proposes the medium of video sharing websites as a way to better facilitate use of students' presentation video for means of feedback and evaluation, while simultaneously creating on online virtual portfolio of student performance and ability which will last beyond the course itself.