Reading Promt # 8

What are some of the technologies used for CMC? What are some of the promising features of CMC for language learning? Comment on any of your uses of these technologies, in particular if you have used any of them for language learning or practice purposes.

The available technologies are numerous and limited to the acceptance of the users. Communication is achieved via computer, telephone, podcasts, palms, radio, walkie-talkie, and technology continues to be innovated. Technology applications such as chat rooms, blogs, mailing lists, e-mail, bulletin boards like the one we are using, are just a small example of what is available. E-mails are the most used in the language learning arena because of its availability and use simplicity. One of the benefits of e-mail as a vehicle for language learning mentioned in this chapter is tandem e-mail. Tandem e-mail makes both parties responsible for its effectiveness and has been proven to yield good results. It has motivated participants for the acceptance of corrections, cultural exchanges, and awareness of its differences and acceptance.

Unfortunately, I have not used technology for any other uses than word processing, surfing the net for things of my interest like sports results, latest muscle car technology, news from Ecuador, political updates, and personal e-mailing.

Finally, comment on the findings of Dr. Sauro's research, and what the implications may be for future practice.

Doctor Sauro’s study examined the effectiveness of two different types of computer-mediated corrective feedback on the immediate and continued development of L2 knowledge. The results indicated that both types of corrective feedback supported gains in knowledge, but there was no significant difference in their effectiveness between the two in either the immediate term or over time.
Though the meta-linguistic group showed significant immediate gains relative to the control condition the results were inconclusive on what kinds of feedback work best for which learners and which forms, whether this feedback; be oral or written, face-to-face or computer-mediated.