Language&Technology	Lesson 2: Readings (2)	-

Real Linguistic Experiences Using Chat Sessions or Videoconferencing

Josu Sierra

The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. V, No. 3, March 1999
http://www.aitche.ac.jp/~iteslj

Abstracted by Anne Daugherty

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The premise of this article is that the best way to learn a language is through interaction with native speakers and the Internet is an ideal resource for language teachers to provide their students with opportunities to interact with speakers anywhere in the world. Through videoconferencing and chat sessions, real time interaction and collaborations can take place.

Outlining the ideal conditions for learning a second language, the author stresses the importance of opportunities to interact in the language, coupled with the need to understand and correct errors. The use of a computer for learning a language is described as motivating, interactive, and increasingly easier to use.

The author refers to two videoconferencing tools--CU-SEEME and Microsoft Net Meeting--as ideal tools to facilitate oral communication between participants. However, providing the opportunity for communication is not enough, the teacher must be prepared to facilitate the conversations such that they are productive and educationally beneficial to the students.

Another benefit of employing computer mediated communication for teaching a second language is that other kinds of materials can be exchanged, such as graphic, text, or audio files, to enhance the conversations. Further, documentation of the interactions can be saved and analyzed. Students can then report on their online linguistic experience.

Keeping a record of the communication provides an ideal opportunity for teachers to assist students with error correction. A student needs to know when an error has been made, and analysis of the written text provides an ideal opportunity for the teacher to go over errors with the student.

The conclusion of the author is that videoconferencing via the internet provides an invaluable opportunity for teaching a second language that is not only productive, but also fun.