Benefits of the Use of Synchronous communication in a Foreign Language Class to Improve the Development of the Students Language Skills

in the Target Language.

Ivana Nazar-Olaciregui University of Maryland University College EDTC625 -Summer 2010

Doleza utilizes Web 2.0 tools to network with students from the target language culture so her students can learn authentic language uses within a cultural exchange that takes place as a natural flow of the language exchange. (Reynard, 2010). Doleza, German Language teacher at Hoffman Estates, IL. Using Skype and a web camera, Ramirez has arranged videoconferences with a class of students in Venezuela. (Buttler, 2009). Ramirez is the chair of ESL and World Languages at Herricks Union Free School District in New Hyde Park, New York.

The above are examples of how technology is being used in Foreign Language learning classes to develop the students language competence in the target language.

With the creation of Internet and the expansion and developing of technology Foreign language teachers have now at the tip of their hand tools that allow them to provide their students with a more authentic and meaningful instruction within the walls of a classroom.

The purpose of this presentation, based on my research paper, is to explore how some Synchronous Technology Communication programs may contribute to the improvement of the development of FL skills.

 SCMC: Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication CMC: Computer Mediated Communication FL: Foreign Language L2: Language 2 or Target Language Realia: Authentic materials.

Technology and Language Teaching

From Grammar/ Translation Method to Multimedia Education and Synchronous Communication.

Technology Use in FL Instruction

Audio-lingual Language : Lab Memorization Method Cassette Player Repetition Drills 40s -60s Texts Patterns/Grammar Communicative Realia: adds, Sharing information Method schedules, charts, Negotiation/Function 70s newspapers, etc Student-Centered Communicative Web 2.0 tools Active & Authentic Method in SCMC Communication 21st Century (Brown, 2001, pp 34-35)

Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication pertains to real-time communication via a local or global network. (AlvarezTorres, 2001, p.313). All individuals involved in the communication are present or connected at the same time.

The purpose of SCMC in the FL instruction is to improve the students abilities to effectively and meaningfully use the language they are learning in a close-to-authentic environment. (Lee, as cited in Lee, 2007, P.637)

We are living in a global digital world and language learning is evolving in the same direction. According to the American Council on the Teaching of FL, the Standards for FL learning in the 21st century are: Communication: communicate in languages other than English; Cultures: gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures; Connections: connect with other disciplines and acquire information; Comparisons: develop insight into the nature of language and culture; Communities: participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world (As cited in Ying-Ping, 2008, p. 24)

Studies of L2 acquisition suggest that co-operative and comprehensive and comprehensible interaction facilitates L2 learning (Kitade, 2000, p. 143). SCMC allows learners to use L2 and interact with other people worldwide (Alvarez-Torres, 2010, p. 313). It engages them in the negotiation needed to develop speaking skills. Negotiating is an element of socialization from which emerges the rules that individuals and communities follow when interacting with each other. (Belz et al., 2005, p. 373). This makes socialization a key element in the language acquisition and its development.

Social Cultural Approach of Language Learning Collaborative Learning Built on the Vygotskys Zone of proximal Development: the distance between the actual development level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers. (as cited in Kitade, 2000, p. 145)

Instructional planning SCMC Technology Objectives, strategies, Properly functioning, assessment, language functions, Training protocol, netiquette Active participation by sharing and exchanging information, and solving problems that lead to significant learning experiences (Ormond, as cited in Kritsonic & Cheng-Chieh , 2006, P. 3)

When incorporating any form of Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication is important hat teachers clearly explain students the purpose of the use of videoconferencing to improve their language communication skills, the instructions step by step of what they are going to be doing, what to expect, and what it is expected of them to have a successful experience.

Videoconferencing is a form of Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication where participants involved can listen and see each other simultaneously through a webcam and an audio system. Videoconferencing allows a close simulation of what happens in conversations and interactions between two or more people.

With Text Based Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication students communicate by reading messages and typing messages back. The text messages appear on the computer screen in a linear fashion and learners can scroll up and down to keep up with the conversation. (Alvarez-Torres, 2001, p. 314).

Technology Hardware Software Video: Webcam Skype Audio: Microphone MSN messenger Headphones Yahoo Messenger

Benefits to FL Instruction engages learners in active conversations with experts or native speakers. develops listening and speaking skills in the L2. provides opportunity to construct and negotiate meaning, collaborate and clarify. develops cultural awareness and competence

Technology Hardware Software No special hardware Internet chat rooms and messengers programs. Benefits to FL Instruction offers practice for development of reading and writing skills in the L2. allows students more time to think and answer which reduces pressure for immediate answer. reinforces language structures than can be transferred when practicing the listening/speaking component of L2.

Videoconferencing + Based-text SCMC

~ Another advantage of the different messenger programs is that students can do both oral and writing practice because all features can be used at the same time.

Click picture above to watch a short clip on SCMC

The main objective when incorporating SCMC to the FL instruction is to give students the opportunity for real and authentic practice where they could make use of the language learnt in class. Both Videoconferencing and Text-Based SCMC can be the solution to overcome the lack of authentic language and practice in class. With the implementation of SCMC in the instruction, FL learners can be exposed to idiomatic expressions and native-like accent and modes.

 Students should be trained on how SCMC works. Explain students the purpose of the use of SCMC in the improvement of L2 skills, the instructions step by step of what they are going to be doing, what to expect, and what it is expected of them to have a successful experience. Students need to have a previous contact with the expert/native speaker to establish a rapport between them. The only use of SCMC does not provide a holistic frame to the L2 practice. The guidance of the teacher is needed not only to teach the language structures, but also the different language functions and strategies. Teachers should provide students with practice of the language functions that students will be utilizing during the SCMC session The expert/native speakers must have some kind of insight about how to guide the learner when there is no understanding

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Slide 1: http://www.workplacelanguages.com/MOCKS/online_chat.jpg Slide 3: http://speech-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/girl_at_computer-300x237. jpg Slide 4: http://www.slashgear.com/gallery/data_files/7/4/Acronyms.jpg Slide 5: http://www.railsandtrails.com/ClevePress/clevehts/61-05-06-Lab-100.jpg Slide 7: https://www.calico.org/html/tCK8Nb1.jpg http://img.tomshardware. com/us/2005/11/02/squeezing_more_life_out_of_your_notebook/msn.jpg Slide 9: https://portfolio.du.edu/pc/port.detail?id=130695 Slide 10: http://www.cartoonstock.com/cartoonview.asp?catref=grin579 Slide 15: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4P29_Fphuc&NR=1 Slide16: http://www.language-exchanges.org/ Slide 22: http://images.clipartof.com/small/40652-Clipart-Illustration-Of-3d-Computer-MiceConnected-To-A-Silver-Globe-Featuring-The-Americas.jpg