Communications of the ACM
Supporting Practices in Web-Based Learning
ICWL '02 Proceedings of the First International Conference on Advances in Web-Based Learning
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This paper reports an investigation into one of the most urgent problems facing distance language education - the problem of lack of exposure to speaking practice in the target language. The Open Learning Chinese Program taught at Griffith University is used as a case study. Following a discussion of issues relating to distance education for languages, such as the indispensability of technology to learning languages in a distance mode, and the importance of communicative competence, this paper moves on to an examination of the capabilities of Internet-based real time technology. Two major indications can be generated from this research: real time technology can help solve the problem of insufficient exposure to speaking practice, and a historical convergence of distance and traditional campus-based education toward a networked education can be expected.