Week 4 Reflection

Many research studies have shown that people behave so differently online. They react positively in a virtual world. For instance, they show fewer inhibition, display less social anxiety, and reduce their public self-awareness. In view of the advantages brought about by online communication, Roed (2003) conducted a pilot project, trying to explore the communicative behaviour patterns of first and second year tertiary students. 13 university students were given a communicative language task to do. They were sitting in the same room and each was given an identity. They needed to ask and answer each other questions so that they could find out the identity of other subjects. They were told to ask simple and elementary questions in order to keep the linguistic level simple so that all subjects could participate in the interview.

The researcher found that there are some advantages of using text communication. First, communication will not be affected by speakers of different accents. Also, there is no time pressure nor is there any interruption. Both help to reduce learners' anxiety. In other words, even passive students are more willing to communicate.

To me, I agree with the researchers. A teacher in Hong Kong may need to take care of more than 40 students in a class. Students have different characters. Some are shy and introverted. Some are very extroverted and talkative. Using text communication can suit learners with different traits. If we aim at training students writing skills. Text communication may help. If we want to train students speaking skills, I would say online communication may also be beneficial. For example, if we do not require students to have face to face interaction, their social anxiety may decrease. So, online communication does have a role to play in language teaching.