Digital Platforms for ESP Speaking Development: Integrating TikTok and Edlink among Vocational Education Students

Rahma Pitria   Ningsih; Elsa   Rosalina; Vebrianti  Umar; Nasrullah  Nasrullah; Yansyah Yansyah

doi:10.31849/824b6296

Authors

Rahma Pitria Ningsih Politeknik Negeri Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia.
Elsa Rosalina Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
Vebrianti Umar STKIP Islam Sabilal Muhtadin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
Nasrullah Nasrullah Washington State University, Washington, USA
Yansyah Yansyah Universitas Muhammadiyah Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31849/824b6296

Keywords:

English for specific purposes (ESP), TikTok-assisted learning, Digital learning platforms, Vocational higher education, Blended language learning

Abstract

Digital platforms are increasingly transforming how vocational students practise English speaking beyond conventional classroom interaction. However, limited empirical attention has been given to how social media-based learning and learning management systems jointly support English for Specific Purposes (ESP) speaking practice in technical education, particularly among Mechanical Engineering students. Addressing this gap, this study examined students’ perceptions of TikTok and Edlink as complementary platforms for ESP speaking practice and investigated whether satisfaction with speaking progress predicted their intention to continue using digital speaking platforms. A descriptive quantitative design, supported by students’ reflective responses, was employed with 60 Mechanical Engineering students at Banjarmasin State Polytechnic. Data were collected through a 34-item Likert-scale questionnaire and analysed using descriptive percentage analysis, simple linear regression, and ANOVA. The findings showed that students’ overall perceptions were predominantly neutral, with only one item, motivation to complete speaking tasks through TikTok compared with traditional classroom activities, reaching a high category. TikTok was perceived as useful for increasing motivation, confidence, and willingness to practise speaking, while Edlink was valued for its structured learning pathway, task organization, feedback, and academic alignment. Regression analysis revealed that satisfaction with ESP speaking progress significantly predicted continuance intention, explaining 58.4% of the variance in students’ intention to keep using digital platforms. This study offers an original contribution by positioning TikTok and Edlink not as competing tools but as complementary components of a blended ESP learning ecosystem, with implications for designing more engaging, structured, and sustainable speaking instruction in vocational higher education.

Author Biographies

Rahma Pitria Ningsih, Politeknik Negeri Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia.

Rahma Pitria Ningsih is an English Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Banjarmasin. Her academic and professional interests focus on teaching methods and techniques, instructional media, and English for Specific Purposes (ESP), particularly in vocational and engineering education. She is actively involved in developing learning materials that support students’ technical communication skills in English, especially for mechanical and automotive engineering contexts.
Elsa Rosalina, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Banjarmasin, Indonesia

Elsa Rosalina is an English Lecturer of Universitas Lambung Mangkurat. Her expertise are in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Technology and Pedagogy in ELT, also Media development.
Vebrianti Umar, STKIP Islam Sabilal Muhtadin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia

Vebrianti Umar is an English Lecturer of STKIP Islam Sabilal Muhtadin Banjarmasin. She is interested in both Teaching English As a Foreign Language and Media Development.
Nasrullah Nasrullah , Washington State University, Washington, USA

Nasrullah is a PhD student at Washington State University majoring in Language, Literacy, and Technology. His research interests cover Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language (TEFL/TESL), and educational
technology.
Yansyah Yansyah, Universitas Muhammadiyah Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia

Yansyah is a lecturer and teacher educator in the English Language Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. He is currently pursuing doctoral studies in English Language Education at Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia. His research interests encompass technology-enhanced language learning, ELT materials development, English for Specific Purposes (ESP), ELT methodology, and teacher professional development.

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