Introduction to Electronic Communication

The most well-known form of electronic communication is electronic mail (e-mail).  Other forms do exist and are available for use in the ESL classroom.  These include Usenet newsgroups, MOOs (a text-based role-play game, described in full later in this guide), and IRC (Internet Relay Chat, also referred to as "Chat") programs, and mailing lists.

Electronic communication can be synchronous or asynchronous.  Synchronous communication denotes real-time communication, where both parties are connected to the Internet at the same time, and when a message is sent, the recipient is able to read it and reply to it immediately.  Chat programs and MOOs both employ synchronous communication.  Asynchronous communication, on the other hand, has a time interval between messages, as occurs in e-mail, mailing lists and newsgroups.  The message is sent to the recipient's mailbox, but may not be read for hours or days.

The use of networked computers provides students with an opportunity for an integral part of language learning:  interaction.  E-mail, IRC, and MOOs permit communication with other students and native speakers of English.  Students may see the language in action, and how it is truly used by native speakers in everyday contexts.  They are exposed to common idioms, slang, and humor, and also have the chance to practice their skills.  For some it is a challenge, but it can be very motivating to witness spontaneous animated language, as opposed to the stilted forced forms often found in textbooks.

However, not all students will benefit from exchanges with and between native speakers.  It is recommended that most ESL students participate in electronic communication activities designed for ESL learners, and the electronic communication of the general public be restricted to Advanced students with strong written language skills as native speakers can be quite rude (as well as crude), and the language used may contain a great deal of slang and unknown vocabulary.  The experience should be positive, not negative.

For whichever form of electronic communication you are planning to use, it is advisable to make a handout pertaining to that application, giving clear, step-by-step instructions for students to follow.  Go through the steps with the class the first day you use that application, making sure that students understand everything on the handout.  In following sessions, encourage students to first attempt tasks on their own using the instruction handout as this will save you time and effort.