Internet chat and L2 interaction: strategies for the classroom

Biographical Notes

Jill Pellettieri is an assistant professor at Cal State San Marcos in the Program in Foreign Languages. She teaches lower and upper division Spanish courses, as well as graduate courses in Spanish applied linguistics. Her field of research is currently concentrating on network-based communication and it's impact on classroom SL interaction and SL development. She is a coauthor of, Palabra abierta, a soon to be published textbook for teaching advanced Spanish composition, and Plazas workbook, a soon to be published first year language text workbook.

Veronica Anover is an assistant professor at Cal State University San Marcos in the Foreign Languages Program. She teaches lower and upper division Spanish and French courses. Currently her research revolves around network-based communication in the SL classroom, using mainly
"Simulations Globales" a group project oriented in real life situations. Presently, she is writing a first year French reader textbook.

Abstract

Empirical research on internet chat in classroom L2 interaction will be presented. Results show that when carefully structured and integrated into the L2 curriculum, internet chats foster sustained target language communication and promote linguistic development. Specific variables of task structure have proven crucial for achieving beneficial L2 practice, however. Through demonstrations of student chats, presenters will specify what these variables are. Presenters will also outline a methodology for integrating this technology into the L2 curriculum to best meet student learning needs and accommodate individual needs in the multilevel classroom.

Power point presentation with handouts. Computer demonstration of actual student chat (mpeg format through computer)

Anticipated Benefit to Participants: Participants will learn from our research and practice in designing language tasks that foster beneficial interaction among students. Participants will also learn from our experiences about how and how often to incorporate such activity into the curriculum.