Multi-User Domains as a Means to
Provide True Interaction in CALL
Prepared by Jia Lin at
Software applications and websites dedicated to computer-assisted
language learning
(CALL) have so far been able to provide some elements of
multimedia and a modicum of interactivity, but fall short of providing true
interaction. Interaction,
characterized by reactions and responses made by two or more parties in
discourse, is currently possible only in human-to-human communication, as
opposed to human-computer communication.
In this paper, the importance of providing true interaction to language
learners will be demonstrated and the benefits of interaction in language
acquisition will be explored. One
means of providing human-to-human interaction using computers, the internet and
communications technology will be discussed in particular, namely that of
setting up a multi-user domain on an internet website. Current implementations of this concept,
such as tandem learning and virtual reality (VR) will be considered. Tandem learning involves pairing up
language partners who may live in different cities or even on different
continents and providing them with language learning materials on the internet. Tandem learning partners can then cover
topics and situations in each target language, while communicating via email,
chat rooms, online videoconferencing or the telephone. Virtual reality expands the
possibilities inherent in tandem learning by providing visual and auditory
stimuli that create a learning environment that is more absorbing than a page
of printed text. After considering
some experiences related to tandem learning and what is currently possible
within virtual learning environments, I will present the results of a survey
showing that Chinese learners have a keen interest in this type of interaction.