ERIC Number: ED451713
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2000-Nov
Pages: 10
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Online ESL Learning: An Authentic Contact.
Shih, Yu-Chih Doris; Cifuentes, Lauren
As international communication becomes faster, cheaper, and ever more ubiquitous, learning through online technologies is more available. In a telecommunications project between U.S. pre-service teachers and Taiwanese English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners, Taiwanese students practiced English and discussed cultural information with U.S. partners who served as tutors. Data revealed that Taiwanese ESL learners perceived online learning of the English language and American culture to be valuable for its authenticity. Instructions on intercultural communications were found to be necessary prior to the connection in order to help eliminate misunderstandings between participants of the two countries. The success of online learning depended on several factors such as participants' motivation and attitudes, technology, preparation, and support services. Furthermore, Taiwanese learners who had successful experiences applied 10 strategies to ESL learning. These strategies were employed during a circular process of online learning. (Contains 37 references.) (Author/KFT)
Descriptors: College Students, Computer Uses in Education, English (Second Language), Foreign Countries, Higher Education, Intercultural Communication, Internet, Learning Strategies, Preservice Teachers, Second Language Instruction, Second Language Learning, Student Attitudes, Student Motivation, World Wide Web
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A