Conversations in Slow Motion: Computer-mediated Communication in the Foreign Language Classroom

Abstract

This article presents an overview of early research into an innovative use of networked computers as a research and didactic tool. The focus will be on a preliminary study of computer-mediated discussion on networked computers examining student-student and student-teacher interaction in real time within the context of an Intermediate French course at the university level. Because of the rapid nature of the electronic exchanges, the resulting 'conversation' is in fact a hybrid phenomenon that falls somewhere between writing and speaking, hence the title 'Conversations in Slow Motion.' Recent research into this innovative use of the computer to enhance classroom discussion is showing positive results in terms of linguistic, cognitive, and affective benefits to the foreign language learner.