We’ve mentioned several times how you can use instant messaging as a medium to practice any language you’re studying. In fact, you can use it as a way to receive instruction too, in case you opt for “long-distance tutoring.”
Back in 2006, an associate professor from Montclair State University published the results of a study on how students responded to collaborative language learning conducted over IM. That person, Susana M. Sotillo, used transcripts from five pairs of students (one tutor and one student) who used online chat for language learning over nine weeks.
The conclusion over nine weeks worth of study was supported the positive views on IM: the hands-on nature of the medium facilitated higher retention, compared to traditional forms of one-on-one tutoring.
While those findings are for IM use, the hands-on style of learning is perfectly applicable for a whole other group of language students – those who use a language training software. Both mediums are multi-dimensional, incorporating written instructions, audio recordings and an interactive feedback mechanism, providing a learning method that’s more comprehensive.
Does this mean that we should give up on traditional classroom instruction and face-to-face tutoring? Not really. However, the usefulness of the format allows for a working alternative that language learners can use, which will come very handy when the more conventional options aren’t as readily available.
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