Awareness and Corrective Feedback in Social CALL, Tandems, and E-Tandems

Abstract

Previous studies have identified advantages for second languagelearning in computer mediated settings (Kern, 1995, Warschauer,1997, Blake, 2008), particularly through online interculturalcollaboration (Furstenberg et al, 2001, Vinagre, 2005, O’Dowd, 2007,Bower & Kawaguchi, 2011). However, face-to-face (tandems) andonline (e-tandems) language exchanges remain peripheral to foreignlanguage education (O’Dowd, 2010, 2013) and rely heavily oninstructor guidance (Beltz, 2003, Bower & Kawaguchi, 2011), in spiteof the proliferation of Language Learning Social Networking Sites(LLSNs) such as Livemocha, Busuu, Shared Talk, and The Mixxer(Dickinson College). In response, this paper analyzes tandem andsocial Computer Assisted Language Learning (sCALL) awareness andexperiences among students and instructors of Spanish at the collegelevel by means of a survey and two pilot studies on tandem learning.The results of this research should encourage administrators andinstructors to support tandem learning and implement tandem andsCALL activities as co-curricular, semi-guided projects. The need ofpreparation for the tandem experience is also emphasized, particularlyin regards to corrective feedback.