Going Beyond Classroom Learning: Acquiring Cultural Knowledge via On-Line Newspapers and Intercultural Exchanges via On-Line Chatrooms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v16i2.101-120Keywords:
On-line Newspapers, On-line Chatrooms, Culture, Advanced Spanish Learners, Collaborative LearningAbstract
The Internet is increasingly considered as an instructional tool for foreign language learning both within and beyond classroom learning. This article reports a pilot study on the use of a combination of Internet technologies--on-line newspapers and on-line chatrooms--to enhance the learning of advanced Spanish students. The goal of the project was (a) to create opportunities for students to read authentic materials and gain cultural knowledge via on-line newspapers, (b) to enhance intercultural exchanges via on-line chatrooms, and (c) to improve students' writing and speaking skills as well as promote collaborative learning among students. The positive results of the study indicate that foreign language teachers could well explore and experiment with the application of combined Internet resources for advanced language students.References
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. (1986). ACTFL proficiency guidelines. Hastings-on-Hudson, NY: Author.
Barson, J., Frommer, J., & Schwartz, M. (1993). Foreign language learning using EMail in a task-oriented perspective: Interuniversity experiments in communication and collaboration. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 2 (4), 565-584.
Beauvois, H. M. (1992). Computer-assisted classroom discussion in the foreign language classroom conversation in slow motion. Foreign Language Annals, 25, 455-464.
Beauvois, H. M. (1993). E-Talk: Empowering students through electronic discussion in the foreign language classroom. The Ram’s Horn, VII, 41-47.
Beauvois, H. M. (1994). E-Talk: Attitudes and motivation in computer-assisted classroom discussion. Computers and the Humanities, 28, 177-190.
Beauvois, H. M. (1997). Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC): Technology for improving speaking and writing. In M. D. Bush & R. M. Terry (Eds.), Technology-enhanced language learning (pp. 165-184). ACTFL foreign language education series. Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook Company.
Bernhardt, E., & Kamil, M. (1998). Enhancing foreign culture learning through electronic discussion. In J. A. Muyskens (Ed.), New ways of learning and teaching: Focus on technology and foreign language education (pp. 3955). AAUSC Issues in Language Program Direction. Boston: Heinle & Heinle.
Bush, M. D. (1997). Implementing technology for language teaching. In M. D. Bush & R. M. Terry (Eds.), Technology-enhanced language learning (pp. 287-350). ACTFL foreign language education series. Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook Company.
Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical bases of communicative approaches to second language teaching and testing. Applied Linguistics, 1, 1-47.
Chun, D. M. (1994). Using computer networking to facilitate the acquisition of interactive competence. System, 22, 17-31.
Cononelos, T., & Oliva, M. (1993). Using computer networks to enhance foreign language/culture education. Foreign Language Annals, 26, 527-533.
Coleman, D. W., Crookall, D. & Oxford, R. L. (1992). Computer-mediated language learning environments. Computer-Assisted Language Learning, 5, 93-120.
Ellis, R. (1988). Classroom second language development. London: Prentice Hall.
González-Bueno, M. (1998). The effect of electronic mail on Spanish L2 discourse. Language Learning and Technology [on-line serial], 1, 2, 55-70. Available: http://polyglot.cal.msu.edu/llt
Horwitz, E. K., & Young, D. J. (1991). Language anxiety: From theory and research to classroom implications. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Johnson D., & Johnson, R. (1985). Cooperative learning: One key to computer assisted learning. The Computing Teacher, 13 (2), 11-15.
Kelm, O. R. (1992). The use of synchronous computer networks in second language instruction: A preliminary report. Foreign Language Annals, 25, 441-454.
Kern, R. G. (1995). Restructuring classroom interaction with networked computer: Effects on quantity and characteristics of language production. The Modern Language Journal, 79, 457-76.
Kern, R. G. (1996). Computer-mediated communication: Using E-Mail exchanges to explore personal histories in two cultures. In M. Warschauer (Ed.), Telecollaboration in foreign language learning: Proceedings of the Hawaii symposium (pp. 105-119). Honolulu: Second Language Teaching and Curriculum Center, University of Hawaii.
Knight, S. (1994). Making authentic cultural and linguistic connections. Hispania, 77, 288-294.
Krashen, S. (1993). The case of free voluntary reading. Canadian Modern Language Review, 50, 72-82.
Krashen, S. (1995). What is intermediate natural approach? In P. Hashemipout, R. Maldonado, & M. van Maerssen (Eds.), Studies in language learning and Spanish linguistics (pp. 92-105). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Kuttenberg, B. M. & Zeller, I. (1997). Transcontinental links via E-Mail. Northeast Conference Newsletter, 42, 42-50.
Lafford, A. P., & Lafford, B. A. (1997). Learning language and culture with Internet technologies. In M. Bush & R. M. Terry (Eds.), Technology-enhanced language learning (pp. 215-262). ACTFL foreign language education series. Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook Company.
Lee, J., & VanPatten, B. (1995). Making communicative language teaching happen. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Lee, L. (1997a). Using portfolios to develop L2 cultural knowledge and awareness of students in intermediate Spanish. Hispania, 80, 355-367.
Lee, L. (1997b). Using Internet tools as an enhancement of L2 cultural teaching and learning. Foreign Language Annals, 30, 410-427.
Lunde, K. R. (1990). Using electronic mail as a medium for foreign languages study and instruction. CALICO Journal, 7, 68-78.
National Standards in Foreign Language Education Project. (1996). Standards for foreign language learning: Preparing for the 21st century. Lawrence, KS: Allen Press.
Nunan, D. (1988). The learner-centred curriculum. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Nunan, D. (1992). Collaborative language learning and teaching. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Oliva, M., & Pollastrini, Y. (1995). Internet resources and second language acquisition: An evaluation of virtual immersion. Foreign Language Annals, 28, 551-559.
O’Malley, J. M., & Chamot, A. U. (1990). Learning strategies in second language acquisition. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Oxford, R. (1990). Language learning strategies: What every teacher should know. New York: Newbury House/Harper & Row.
Oxford, R., & Ehrman, M. (1989). Psychological type and adult language learning strategies: A pilot study. Journal of Psychological Type, 16, 22-32.
Pennington, M. C. (1996). The computer and the non-native writer: A natural partnership. Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press.
Sanaoui, R., & Lapkin, S. (1992). A case study of an FSL senior secondary course integrating computer networking. Canadian Modern Language Review, 48, 525-553.
Savignon, S. J. (1983). Communicative competence: Theory and classroom practice. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
Scarcella, R., & Oxford, R. (1992). The tapestry of language learning: The individual in the communicative classroom. Boston: Heinle & Heinle.
Schneider, E. W. (1982). Considerations on the use of technology in the learning of foreign languages. Monterey, CA: Foreign Language Instructional Technology Conference. [EDRS: ED 236 910.]
St. John, E., & Cash, D. (1995). Language learning via E-Mail: Demonstrable success with German. In M. Warschauer (Ed.), Virtual connections: On-line activities and projects for networking language learners (pp. 191-197). Honolulu, HI: University of Hawaii, Second Language Teaching & Curriculum Center.
Swain, M., & Lapkin, S. (1986). Immersion French in secondary schools: The goods and the bads. Contact, 5, 2-9.
Swain, M., & Wong Fillmore, L. (1984). Child second language development: Views from the field on theory and research. Paper presented at the meeting of the Teachers of English as a Second Language, Houston, Texas.
Van Handle, D. C. & Corl, K. A. (1998). Extending the dialogue: Using electronic mail and the Internet to promote conversation and writing in intermediate level German language. CALICO Journal, 15, 129-143.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Wang, Y. M. (1994). E-Mail dialogue journaling in an ESL reading and writing classroom (Doctoral Dissertation, University of Oregon, 1993). Dissertation Abstracts International, 54, 3316.
Warschauer, M. (1996). Motivational aspects of using computers for writing and communication. In M. Warschauer (Ed.), Telecollaboration in foreign language learning: Proceedings of the Hawaii symposium (pp. 64-81). Honolulu, HI: University of Hawaii, Second Language Teaching & Curriculum Center.
Warschauer, M. (1997). Computer mediated collaborative learning: Theory and practice. The Modern Language Journal, 81, 470-481.
