Computer Mediated Oral Interaction and Tandem Learning.Livemocha vs. Shared Talk

Gabriel Guilléngaguillen@ucdavis.edu

Oral Interaction > Tandem Learning > Oral Computer-Mediated Interaction and Tandem Learning

> Websites > Livemocha & Shared Talk > Conclusions

Why Oral Interaction?

Because oral interactionis essential in the adquisition of a second language

(Vygotsky, Long, Ellis…), from an interaccionist prespective.

Because “classroom is a key context but is insufficient” (Graddol, 2006)

in order to acquire a language. In most cases...

Oral Interaction > Tandem Learning > Oral Computer-Mediated Interaction and Tandem Learning

> Websites > Livemocha & Shared Talk > Conclusions

How to develop oral interaction skills?

Oral Interaction > Tandem Learning > Oral Computer-Mediated Interaction and Tandem Learning

> Websites > Livemocha & Shared Talk > Conclusions

How to develop oral interaction skills outside of the classroom?

?

Oral Interaction > Tandem Learning > Oral Computer-Mediated Interaction and Tandem Learning

> Websites > Livemocha & Shared Talk > Conclusions

Tandem Learning

I learn English with you and you learn Spanish with me

Under the principles of reciprocity and autonomy (Brammerts, 1998)

Oral Interaction > Tandem Learning > Oral Computer-Mediated Interaction and Tandem Learning

> Websites > Livemocha & Shared Talk > Conclusions

Language Tandem face to faceVirtual Language Tandem

Language tandem on Internet has been the focus of many studies(Schwienhorst, Beltz, Chung, Cziko, Rourke,

Bryant, Lera, O'Dowd…).

However, few studies are just focused on oral computer-mediated communication and tandem learning. It is difficult to research.

Oral Interaction > Tandem Learning > Oral Computer-Mediated Interaction and Tandem Learning

> Websites > Livemocha & Shared Talk > Conclusions

Standards-They promote sharing and learning of languages among users,

as their main objective.-They allow the practice of oral interaction.

-They are free to use.

Ours websites Mixxer, Livemocha, Kantalk, Palabea, Shared Talk, and Busuu.

Spaces that did not make itBabbel, Babelyou, Edufire, Italki, Lang-8,

My Happy Planet, Myngle, Soziety (they are still interesting for language learning)

In my paperShared Talk and Live Mocha

Oral Interaction > Tandem Learning > Oral Computer-Mediated Interaction and Tandem Learning

> Websites > Livemocha & Shared Talk > Conclusions

Shared Talk and Live Mocha

Disclaimers “It’s not so much the program, more what you do with it”

(Jones, 1986 quoted in Computer Applications in SLA, Chapelle, 2001)

“despite the highly entertainment nature of multimedia materials delivered via the web,

nothing can replace human interaction” (Blake, 2008). So these websites are not replacing but connecting humans.

Technologies are neutral (Blake, 2008). Our success (or the success of our students) using these websites

depends on planning and the amount of effective (meaningful) interaction time.

Oral Interaction > Tandem Learning > Oral Computer-Mediated Interaction and Tandem Learning

> Websites > Livemocha & Shared Talk > Conclusions

Categories Shared Talk Livemocha

Pedagogical features © 2 3.5 © 3

Easy of use © 5 3.5 © 5

Immediacy 5 3.5

Tandem durability 3 4

Groups no no

Webcam no yes

User rating no yes

Cultural content no yes

Grammar content no yes

Preparation on the principles of reciprocity and autonomy

no no

Value for money © 5 5 © 5

© Calico review

Oral Interaction > Tandem Learning > Oral Computer-Mediated Interaction and Tandem Learning

> Websites > Livemocha & Shared Talk > Conclusions

Livemocha http://www.livemocha.com

Upsides

-5 million of users.-Provides vocabulary and grammar inputs for practice,

and topics for the tandem experience (although this content do not satisfy all levels).

-It is possible to rate users*.-Feedback is essential. It is a social website

specifically rooted in Vygotsky ideas (Jee & Park, 2009). Students learn by interacting with the most capable students or teachers (Vygotsky, 1978):

native speakers.

Downsides -It has Premium services so it is not enterely free.

-It is not as easy and inmediate as Shared Talk (in regards to the tandem experience).

- *Questionable quality and accuracy of the feedback from peers, Jee & Park, 2009 (also in Sharedtalk).

-The need of “self discipline and motivation” since there is no extrinsic pressure for learning, Jee & Park, 2009 (also in Shared Talk).

Oral Interaction > Tandem Learning > Oral Computer-Mediated Interaction and Tandem Learning

> Websites > Livemocha & Shared Talk > Conclusions

Shared Talk http://www.sharedtalk.com

Upsides

-It normally takes just few minutes to find a “language buddy”, although the number of users seems to be limited.

-It is simple and intuitive.-It is free for all users (so far).

Downsides-Does not provide grammar and cultural content.

Students are on their own.-There is no webcam.

-The durability of the tandem is weak in spite of a new feature that promotes network building.

Oral Interaction > Tandem Learning > Oral Computer-Mediated Interaction and Tandem Learning

> Websites > Livemocha & Shared Talk > Conclusions

Conclusions-Even though Livemocha is substancially more advanced

than Shared Talk in pedagogical terms, both of them could enrich the collaborative experience

with more cultural content, grammar inputs and topics for tandem students, all of them integrated in the CMC

interface. Also, it would be interesting to provide students with some preparation for the intercultural

and tandem experience (autonomy and reciprocity)

-There is an opportunity to integrate these websites in our curriculum.

Examples: -Our students can get feedback from Livemocha about specific tasks.-Our students could find a language “buddy” so they practice every week with topics and questions provided by us. Students will do a weekly report about the tandem experience (vocabulary, idioms,

culture).