Language learning
No TL;DR found
Abstract
This article describes a recent experiment which brought together trainee teachers and GCSE (General Certificate in Secondary Education) modern language examination candidates by means of video-conferencing. The school involved had approached the authors' institution with a view to exploring desktop videoconferencing as a way of providing pupils with additional oral language practice. A group of volunteers offered to spend time providing 'virtual tuition' in French and German to 31 pupils from the school. Results of a questionnaire designed to investigate pupils' reactions to the technology showed these to be generally favourable. The trainee teachers also benefited from the opportunity to practise developing learners' oral skills. It is concluded that, given the falling costs of the technology involved, video-conferencing would seem to be a relatively inexpensive way of meeting the requirement for greater oral proficiency.