Video Conferencing in the ESL classroom can be a great tool as long as the instructor is well prepared. One of the most important parts of using a tool like this in the classroom is ensuring all the computers work and that students have the necessary accounts to access the video conferencing tool. Without this preparation a lot of time may be wasted and it could be a frustrating experience for students.
One of the benefits to using a video conferencing tool in a CALL class would be that you could have an authentic speaker from anywhere join your conference and provide great authentic input. Video conferencing could also be especially helpful for smaller classes or one-on-one tutoring. It may be difficult though with a large class especially because you may not be able get all the students involved in the activity.
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3 years ago
I agree that video conferencing can be great for one-on-one tutoring and authentic input. You bring up a good point about class size. A large class in which all of the students are video-conferencing may get loud, and the background noise may hinder students from hearing and understanding the person on the other end of the chat.
ReplyDeleteOne way I think the whole class would benefit from video conferencing is if it was set up as more of a one way conversation - maybe bringing in a native guest speaker through the video conference and then only have students ask questions one at a time. You wouldn't get the speaking benefits but it would be a great listening activity.
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