ERIC Number: EJ838587
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Dec
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0015-718X
EISSN: N/A
Fostering Second Language Oral Communication through Constructivist Interaction in Desktop Videoconferencing
Lee, Lina
Foreign Language Annals, v40 n4 p635-649 Dec 2007
This article describes a classroom project using one-to-one desktop videoconferencing to enhance the development of second language (1.2) oral skills. Eighteen university students worked collaboratively with expert speakers to complete task-based activities. The author gathered data from video-recording samples, reflections, and oral interviews to report the participants' experiences and examine the potential of desktop videoconferencing to support speaking skills. While this approach is effective in supporting collaborative learning and fostering L2 oral communication, learners with less sophisticated listening skills experienced difficulties comprehending native speakers. Native speakers' linguistic variations, including regionalisms and accents, also affected the degree of the interactivity. This study suggests three essential ingredients to maximize the potential benefits of desktop videoconferencing for language learning: (1) use of carefully designed tasks that engage learners, (2) appropriate selection of linguistic context, and (3) inclusion of sufficient network training. (Contains 7 notes.)
Descriptors: Constructivism (Learning), Teaching Methods, Speech Communication, Video Technology, Second Language Learning, Oral Language, Speech Skills, Listening Skills, Native Speakers, English (Second Language), College Students, Interviews, Cooperative Learning, Listening Comprehension, Second Language Instruction
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. 700 South Washington Street Suite 210, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tel: 703-894-2900; Fax: 703-894-2905; e-mail: headquarters@actfl.org; Web site: http://www.actfl.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A