University of vora

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Language Communication Culture International
Conference

• University of Évora
• Évora, 27 30 November 2002

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To chat or not to chat in the EFL
classroom,that is the question!

• Teresa Almeida d'Eça
• Évora, 29th November 2002

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INTRODUCTION LANGUAGE COMMUNICATION
CULTURE "Language is a powerful means to
communicate . . . that has proven to be a
superior tool toward . . . helping others reach
higher states of knowledge." (Lynne T.
Diaz-Rico) "Communication is the key to
education, understanding and peace." (James Bryce)
Évora, 29 November 2002
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CHAT synchronous two-way communication
computer-mediated communication (CMC)
Évora, 29 November 2002
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CHAT AND WEBHEADS IN ACTION

• an international online group of EFL/ESL teachers
• a community of practice
•  
• a multicultural community who speaks different
  varieties of English
•  
• "a support group for those interested in learning
  and doing CMC"

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• CHAT AND THE LEARNING PROCESS
• 3 chat modes
• text
• audio
• video
• diversified and comprehensive learning

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TAPPED IN (campus and reception) a multi-user
virtual environment (MUVE) a CyberCampus
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YAHOO MESSENGER '3 in 1' mode text, audio and
videoconferencing   the '4 in 1 tool' practice
the four basic skills
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APPLICATIONS OF CHAT TO THE EFL (ESL)
CLASSROOM   setting cyberspace   strong
emphasis on communication and authentic
language   talk about the 'real' world, with
'real' people, in 'real' time   intensive
practice in 2 or 4 basic skills
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CHAT AND THE EFL (ESL) CLASSROOM
ADVANTAGES added motivation and
excitement learning by interacting with real
people   collaborative and cooperative
learning   interactions at 3 different levels
p2p / t2s / m2s   communicative skills and
technological competencies   social
skills   transferable skills
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CHAT AND THE EFL (ESL) CLASSROOM DISADVANTAGES
oversimplified language "Nu Shortcuts in
School R 2 Much 4 Teachers" (Jennifer 8. Lee)
(sic) u - r - ur - b4 - l8r - wuz -
cuz - 2 jk - nm - oic - brb - ttyl -
lol   time zones and limit to participants   tec
hnical problems
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CHAT AND EMAIL CONFLICTING OR COMPLEMENTARY
TOOLS? complementary tools same basic aim
communication a more fascinating, authentic
and enriching experience
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SUGGESTIONS / PRACTICAL ADVICE care in the
choice of platform start small   set a task
for each session   monitor student work both on
and off line
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CONCLUSION fascination, excitement,
enrichment community online building intense
and real(-time) practice of language tremendous
potential for professional development fun,
healthy socializing, mutual support and true
friendship
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VISIT MY WEB PAGE! www.malhatlantica.pt/teresad
eca/ READ MY PAPER! www.malhatlantica.pt/teresade
ca/papers/ evora2002/chat-and-efl.htm SEND ME
YOUR COMMENTS! tmvaz_at_mail.telepac.pt
Évora, 29 November 2002