Prompt 8

Levy describes the following CMC technologies: chat, MOOs, email/SMS, bulletin board systems (BBS), mailing lists and audio/video conferencing software. These CMC technologies allow for synchronous and asynchronous communication. Asynchronous communication such as e-mail, allows the learner time to process input. Synchronous communication, such as text chat, does not allow the learner as much time to process input. Levy states that this technology is free and readily available to the public. CMC technologies have a wide variety of options for a wide variety of users. The programs are versatile can be tailored to the needs of the student. I have little experience with CMC technologies. However, I use e-mail daily, but not as a tool to learn a language.

Dr. Sauro’s research posed two questions. Question 1 asked which type of CMC feedback would be significantly more effective for immediate gains in L2 target form knowledge. The results showed that metalinguistic feedback resulted in greater gains from pre to immediate posttest for familiar items than did recasts. However, the differences were not significant. Question 2 asked which type of CMC feedback would be significantly more effective for sustained gains in L2 target form knowledge. Results showed that over time, the recast and metalinguistic group demonstrated similar levels of target form knowledge when applied to familiar items. Both types of corrective feedback resulted in gains in immediate knowledge. Most importantly, the more information the learner is confronted with, the more difficult it may be for the learner to locate and identify the portion that is reformulated. Thus, a teacher should consider the type of corrective feedback given to students.