Mutually Beneficial Foreign Language Learning: Creating Meaningful Interactions Through Video‐Synchronous Computer‐Mediated Communication. (23rd May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kato, Fumie; Spring, Ryan; Mori, Chikako
• Is Part Of: Foreign language annals. Volume 49:Number 2(2016:Summer)
• Page Start: 355
• Page End: 366
• Publication Date: 2016-05-23
• Subjects: Japanese -- English as a foreign/second language -- postsecondary/higher education -- technologies; Languages, Modern -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 418.0071
• DOI: 10.1111/flan.12195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0015-718X

Abstract

Abstract: Providing learners of a foreign language with meaningful opportunities for interactions, specifically with native speakers, is especially challenging for instructors. One way to overcome this obstacle is through video‐synchronous computer‐mediated communication tools such as Skype software. This study reports quantitative and qualitative data from a Skype partner program that emphasized meaningful communication between American students learning Japanese in the United States and Japanese students learning English in Japan. Analysis of pre‐ and posttests showed significant improvement in the listening and speaking abilities of the Japanese participants and in the speaking abilities of the American participants.