Positioning Topic

I have decided to focus on Computer Mediated Communication in the realm of Second Language Acquisition. I an particularly interest in how this process can connect language learners to native speakers. Most of the studies I have found so far have focused on asynchronous commutation view email or synchronous via text chat. I have found some recent studies that use Voice Over IP technology to connect native and non-native speakers.

I am interested in this topic because I believe the new communication tools of the Internet are opening up new opportunities change how languages are taught. Having lived in Taiwan and picked up some Mandarin Chinese, I believe interaction with native speakers in essential for learning a language.

Here are some the studies that I have found so far:

• Computer-Mediated Negotiated Interaction:
• This study had language learners engage in tasks together online and examined how the used language to solve problems.
• Conversations and negotiated interaction in text and voice chat rooms.
• "REFLECTIVE CONVERSATION" IN THE VIRTUAL LANGUAGE CLASSROOM
• Study of a language class the Open Universtiy in England.
• Task Design for Audiographic Conferencing
• Audiograhic Conferencing meaning audio/video
• Also at the Open Universtiy.

I am interested in what can be done to engage students in meaningful conversations online. Also what task can be created that will allow the students to interact and promote such conversations.