Improving verbal interactions in the context of real-life communication: ICT and learning French as a foreign language

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present an empirical application of ICTs in the teaching and learning of French as a second language, focused on the development of the oral skills, and more precisely of verbal interactions. In order to improve interaction, different tools can be used such as Wikis, blogs, social networks, video-games etc. In the framework of this specific empirical application, learners undertook a task in an authentic language use context. Within this context, they interacted with native speakers, with teachers as well as with other students. Two different practices were studied using specific criteria: 1. the use of mobile phones in an authentic communication context in order to run an action-oriented task, and 2. the use of a university collaborative platform in order to give learners the opportunity to observe the interaction and to self-observe. Hence, phenomena such organisation of turn-taking in interaction and expression of intersubjectivity will be studied. Finally, based on these observations we will attempt to answer the following questions: What is the ICTs’ impact on language learning according to the point of view of students or teachers?