COMPUTER MEDIATED COMMUNICATION

Gary A. Cziko and Sujung Park conducted a research named “Internet Audio Communication for Second Language Learning”. The research is based on six programs which are AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger for Windows, MSN Messenger, Windows Messenger, PalTalk and iVisit. In this article Cziko and Sujung review these free programs, and let us compare their features in terms of their utility in second language teaching. They are alternatives of each other as they all include communicative context that can be used as a tool providing contact with native speakers of a language. However, their utility may differ according to the learner’s preferences and needs. For example, some provide audio visual communication with the help of internet while others do not. This article gives us a detailed research on these six programs with their pros and cons.

Barbara E. Hana and Juliana de Nooy‘s study “A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to Forum: Electronic Discussion and Foreign Language Learning 1”aims to find out how online discussion groups can affect second language learners outside classroom. The study attempts to discover the way which creates the successful participation. In addition to this, the study also provides how electronic discussion boards can be used as a medium of communicative teaching. The case study conducted via web site of a French newspaper concludes that learners should be encouraged to use electronic discussion lists, but while doing this, they should be informed about the communication differences between two cultures.