Language Learner Behaviour in a Virtual Environment
The author states that people would feel less stressed, display less social anxiety, and reduce their public self-awareness when they are communicating via computer than in face-to-face situation. The study found that learners behaved differently when they were doing a communicative language task in a chat room. Those anxious and shy students were more willing to communicate in the chat room than they usually did in the classroom. The author states that “the illusion of anonymity that online work gives is a definite advantage to the shy and introvert language student”. There are a number of advantages for language students when working online. There is no accent to be distracted by, no time pressure nor any interruptions, and no immediate reactions. I think that it is also true for me. I remember that a few years ago, when ICQ was still popular, I enjoyed chatting with other English speakers. I felt free to communicate with them and I was not worried about making mistakes. However, when I was engaged in face-to-face situations, I was very shy and anxious that I seldom talked.
Although online language learning has its shortcoming, I think it is really useful in helping students to build up their confidence in communicating in English, especially those shy and anxious ones. As an English teacher, however, I don’t know what I can do to help those students. Could you share your ideas on what types of activities that I can use?
Although online language learning has its shortcoming, I think it is really useful in helping students to build up their confidence in communicating in English, especially those shy and anxious ones. As an English teacher, however, I don’t know what I can do to help those students. Could you share your ideas on what types of activities that I can use?
