In this paper, I report on the findings of a study that investigated non-native speaker interaction in a three dimensional (3D) virtual world that incorporates avatars and text chat known as "Active Worlds." Analysis of the chat transcripts indicated that the 24 intermediate level EFL participants were able to undertake a variety of tasks through…

The aim of this study was to explore the claim that the hybrid nature of synchronic computer-mediated chat (SCMC) promotes the noticing of target language forms, which may, in turn, stimulate the process of second language actuation. When viewed in the context of interaction theory, the hybrid nature of SCMC makes online negotiation a potentially…

This paper presents the challenges involved in designing a full set of online tutorial materials for a beginners' Spanish course for distance language learners utilising an online audiographic conferencing VLE for synchronous oral interaction. Although much has been written about task design and task-based learning and teaching (TBLT) in language…

The aim of this research is to reveal the dynamics of focus on form in task completion via videoconferencing. This examination draws on current second language learning theories regarding effective language acquisition, research in Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) and empirical data from an evaluation of desktop videoconferencing-supported…

This study was a comparative investigation of face-to-face and written electronic conferences. The participants were advanced English as a second language (hereafter: ESL) students. The two types of conferences were compared in terms of textual features and participation. There was no statistically significant difference in the total number of…

This article addresses a pervasive need in the area of videoconference-supported distance language learning: task design. On the basis of Chapelle's (2001) criteria for CALL task appropriateness, this article proposes a set of criteria for evaluating videoconferencing-based tasks which examine such aspects of a task as practicality,…

Investigated distance students' participation in an online discussion group established for an applied linguistic course titled Computer Assisted language Learning. Discusses patterns of student-student interaction and students' attitudes toward online discussions as a way of earning CALL as well as toward computer mediated communication as a…

Examines the effectiveness of asynchronous electronic discussion assignments in university-level language courses. An exploration of syllabus issues provides some insights. (Author/VWL)

Writing is an important part of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learning, though it is the least used of four language learning skills. It must be brought back to ESL classrooms to prepare students for the real world. Communication through computers will be an important skill for the future, with English an international language for computer…

Students in a third-year introduction to German literature course chatted over networked computers, using "FirstClass" software. A brief description of the course design is provided with detailed information on how the three chat sessions were organized. (Author/VWL)

Examines the decline in Latin provision in English state schools before discussing practical, technical, and pedagogical issues arising from a small-scale, one-year project in which two state schools ran Latin classes without Latin specialists but with the support of Web-based electronic resources and e-mail tutors. (Author/VWL)

Explores social interactive features of synchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC)--commonly known as "chat"--as such features unfolded in real time and developed over a 9-week period in two college Spanish courses. Invoked a Vygotskian sociocultural theoretical framework and employed discourse analysis as a research tool to…

Focuses on the use of one networked technology, synchronous computer-mediated interaction, in the second-language (L2) classroom. The scope is intentionally limited to research concerned with evaluating the potential benefits of computer-assisted classroom discussion (CACD) in terms of L2 acquisition theory. Findings stemming from the existing…

Observed effects of dialogue journaling through electronic mail on the language produced by learners of Spanish as a second language, compared with the paper-and-pencil version. The electronic version was found to have a positive effect on the amount of language generated and on students' attitudes towards learning the target language but did not…

Describes the use of computer pen pals to offer foreign language students who are at different levels of instruction to participate in activities that involve real life situations. Designed to develop writing skills, these activities help students review vocabulary and to practice verb forms and grammatical structures. (Author/VWL)