Tocky Talk: A Mobile Phone Application to Help Address Communicative Problems of Engineering and Technical Graduates in the Philippine Context

Abstract

Communication problems in English, particularly among Engineering and Technical graduates, are causing unemployment in a field that has a surplus of unfilled positions in the Philippines. Initial surveys and focus group discussions show that respondents from the targeted group seem to share similar communication problems in the following areas: being in interviews and conducting presentations. To address these issues, we developed Tocky Talk, an Android mobile phone application. Tocky Talk contains lessons and activities that would help the user improve their performance in job interviews and presentations as well as improve their English grammar and comprehension. A gamification strategy was also implemented to help motivate users to continue to use the application. Effectiveness testing showed that Tocky Talk significantly improved the presentation and interview skills of its users, with the motivational elements of gamification particularly effective. The Tocky Talk application is now available for download on the Google Play Store.