Abstract

As international communication becomes faster, cheaper, and ever more ubiquitous, learning through online technologies is more available. In a telecommunications project between U.S. pre-service teachers and Taiwanese English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners, Taiwanese students practiced English and discussed cultural information with U.S. partners who served as tutors. Data revealed that Taiwanese ESL learners perceived online learning of the English language and American culture to be valuable for its authenticity. Instructions on intercultural communications were found to be necessary prior to the connection in order to help eliminate misunderstandings between participants of the two countries. The success of online learning depended on several factors such as participants' motivation and attitudes, technology, preparation, and support services. Furthermore, Taiwanese learners who had successful experiences applied 10 strategies to ESL learning. These strategies were employed during a circular process of online learning. (Contains 37 references.) (Author/KFT)

Citation

Shih, Y.C.D. & Cifuentes, L. (2000). Online ESL Learning: An Authentic Contact. Presented at International Conference on Computers in Education/International Conference on Computer-Assisted Instruction 2000. Retrieved August 11, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/92315/.

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Keywords

• College Students
• Computer Uses in Education
• English (Second Language)
• Foreign Countries
• higher education
• Intercultural Communication
• internet
• learning strategies
• preservice teachers
• Second Language Instruction
• second language learning
• student attitudes
• student motivation
• World Wide Web