Two groups of college students majoring in translation participated in the study. They were enrolled in an English reading course. The control group received face-to-face in-class reading practice; whereas the experimental group received synchronous online practice using Elluminate Live, a web-conferencing software associated with Blackboard LMS. Elluminate has virtual rooms or vSpaces where virtual classes and meetings can be held. Elluminate Live communication tools include integrated Voice over IP and teleconferencing, public and private chat, quizzing and polling, emoticons, a webcam tool, a whiteboard for uploading presentations for viewing by class, a recording feature, a graphing tool, breakout rooms for group work, and a timer. In the present study, Elluminate was used as supplement in in-class instruction to provide students with extra reading practice from home. The present study aims to describe the following: (i) steps followed in preparing for and conducting synchronous reading web-conferences between EFL students and instructors using Elluminate Live; (ii) technical requirements of synchronous reading web-conferences using Elluminate; (iii) technical difficulties of synchronous web-conferences using Elluminate; (iv) the effects of using Elluminate live reading practice sessions on students' achievement; (v) participants' views of the benefits and shortcomings of synchronous reading web-conferences using Elluminate; (v) recommendations for conducting effective synchronous reading web-conferences using Elluminate. Results of the posttest showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in reading skill development, in favor of the Elluminate reading practice sessions. Students who participated in those reading practice sessions developed positive attitudes towards web-conferencing and reading practice as well.

Elluminate, web-conferences, reading practice, EFL reading.