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The Impact of Teleconferencing with Native English Speakers on English Learning by Taiwanese Students
Article

, Chien-Kuo Technical University, Taiwan ; , Wayne State College, United States

International Journal on E-Learning, ISSN 1537-2456 Publisher: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), Waynesville, NC USA

Abstract

Because there are few native speakers of English in Taiwan, students of English in Taiwan are often poorly motivated, having few opportunities to develop their skills and learn about American culture outside of class. Recent advancements in distance education allow live audio and video teleconferences via the Internet, a technology that has the potential to connect native English speakers with students learning the language. This paper presents initial findings from an ongoing pilot project in which Taiwanese students of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) interact with an American via "live" Internet teleconferencing, followed by one-on-one discussion. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used to evaluate changes in student motivation, confidence, and ability resulting from the presentations via the Internet. After the teleconferences, all three factors increased at a modest level, with motivation increasing most, followed by confidence, and ability. Students appreciated the American cultural information contained in the presentations and the ability to hear authentic American pronunciation and usage, and found the experience of talking with the American via the Internet to be less stressful than expected. This technique holds potential for significant increases in student motivation, confidence, and ability.

Citation

Wu, W.C. & Marek, M. (2009). The Impact of Teleconferencing with Native English Speakers on English Learning by Taiwanese Students. International Journal on E-Learning, 8(1), 107-126. Waynesville, NC USA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved March 19, 2024 from .

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