A new resource for second language (L2) learners has recently become widespread. The use of PC and Internet has increased among people and this has provided different ways for communicating over the last 20 years. Electronic mail and instant messaging programs are some examples for this kind of communication ways. Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) media has an effect on L2 teaching and learning. As the lack of opportunity to interact with native speakers of the target language is an obstacle for L2 learners, native speakers using Internet are very good resources for L2 learners. Internet plays an important role in linking L2 learners with native speakers.
The use of synchronous audio and video helps L2 learners interact with native speakers. The availability of free, synchronous computer-mediated audio communication (SCMAC) software has increased among L2 learners, students, researchers. SCMAC programs offer three different kinds of communicative environments. These are instant messaging, conferences, and chat groups. Some programs include all three while others include only one or two. Instant messaging provides both text and audio messaging. Some programs also provide video communication in their messaging modes. Temporary meeting of three or more individuals is called conference. A chat room, also called a ‘chat group’ or just ‘group’ is more permanent meeting of up to fifty individuals. Chat rooms have pre-established and user-created types. Some SCMAC programs providing these are AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, Windows Messenger, Pal Talk, and iVisit.
The use of synchronous audio and video helps L2 learners interact with native speakers. The availability of free, synchronous computer-mediated audio communication (SCMAC) software has increased among L2 learners, students, researchers. SCMAC programs offer three different kinds of communicative environments. These are instant messaging, conferences, and chat groups. Some programs include all three while others include only one or two. Instant messaging provides both text and audio messaging. Some programs also provide video communication in their messaging modes. Temporary meeting of three or more individuals is called conference. A chat room, also called a ‘chat group’ or just ‘group’ is more permanent meeting of up to fifty individuals. Chat rooms have pre-established and user-created types. Some SCMAC programs providing these are AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, Windows Messenger, Pal Talk, and iVisit.
