L2 speech teaching in Distance Education (EaD) through synchronous communication softwares

Abstract

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14244/19827199784

From the increasing growth of foreign language courses in distance education (EaD), information and communication technology (TIC) have been playing a key role for the success of teaching and learning of speaking skills. Hence, synchronous communication softwares such as MSN, GoogleTalk, Skype, Voip, Dim-Dim, VZO Chat, Facebook, among others, have become essential tools for developing this skill in the interaction between students and teachers. Thus, this paper a) makes a brief theoretical review of these softwares’ use in teaching speaking skills, b) evaluates their use in the UFSC undergraduate distance course on Literature – Bachelor in English Language Teaching, and c) discusses the use of synchronous communication softwares for teaching foreign languages in distance education. The adopted methodology included 1) observation on the use of these softwares during the course, 2) a questionnaire answered by the students, and 3) interviews with the teachers. It was observed that these softwares were used mostly in evaluation situations and that there is a demand from the students for broader interaction in foreign language through these tools in a didactic manner. Therefore, in order to develop speaking skills in foreign language in distance education, it is necessary an effective teaching practice through synchronous communication softwares.

Keywords: Foreign language teaching, Foreign language speaking skills, Distance education.