Prompt 8

Reading Prompt #8
*Levy – Ch. 4 Computer Mediated Communication
*BLACKBOARD – Sauro, S. (2009). Computer-Mediated Corrective Feedback and the Development of L2 Grammar. Language Learning & Technology, 13(1), 96-120.

What are some of the technologies used for CMC? What are some of the promising features of CMC for language learning. Comment on any of your uses of these technologies, in particular if you have used any of them for language learning or practice purposes. Finally, comment on the findings of Dr. Sauro's research, and what the implications may be for future practice.

Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) is defined by Herring (1996) as communication that takes place between human beings via the instrumentality of computers. CMC has two types: synchronous and asynchronous. Many technologies can be used for CMC, synchronous CMC includes Chatting, Classroom Discussion, conference and MOOs; asynchronous CMC includes Mailing Lists, Bulletin Boards, and E-mail. CMC has promising features for language learning, for example, CMC affects language learners’ ways of message composing, editing accessing, reading and responding; it provides access to authentic language; gives language learners exposure to target language input; allows students to interact with other participants either immediately or freely; and moreover, synchronous CMC provides learners with an opportunity to produce greater output, while asynchronous CMC provides learners with an opportunity to produce more accurate output. I have used MOOs, and really benefit from them. MOOs are “virtual environments, in which participants can meet together and interact with each other and the environment” (Levy, p.91). MOOs are also text based, participants need to read the written description of their environment, and then interact with other participants to finish goals. More than only chat, MOOs allow participants to look at or even change their environments. And not just synchronous form communications, MOOs also have asynchronous forms such as E-mail system. In the MOOs chat room, participants have options to whisper or yell message. In conclusion, MOOs are combination of multiple communication modes for “exploratory learning and virtual immersion in language-learning environment” (Levy, p.93), and have potential as a tool for second language learning.

According to of Dr. Sauro's (2009) research, two types of computer-mediated corrective feedback on the development of adult learners’ L2 knowledge: (1) corrective feedback that reformulates the error in the form of recasts, and (2) corrective feedback that supplies the learners with metalinguistic information about the nature of the error, supported gains in target form knowledge in familiar contexts, and the metalinguistic group showed significant immediate gains. But neither type had a significantly greater effect on immediate target form knowledge, nor had a significantly greater effect on target form knowledge over time. For future practice, educators need to understand what kinds of feedback work best for which learners and which forms, and then choose effective feedback forms— oral, written, face-to-face, or computer-mediated.