대학 영어교육을 위한 실시간 CMC 활용방안

Abstract

This study aims at introducing the effectiveness of CMC(Computer-Mediated Communication) as a tool for learning English. Since the early nineties, MOO(Multi-User Domain Object Oriented), a part of CMC services applied for educational purposes, has captured language teachers' attention as they provided learners with a collaborative and autonomous learning environment where students could interact with native speakers, other learners, and instructors. An educational MOO offers the environment for synchronous communication with participants from around the real world. During this communication, students process the messages written in English and produce written output in order to manipulate objects in that virtual reality. This study has focused on SchMOOze University MOO for university-level English classes. The purpose of this MOO is to enable language learners to participate in authentic real-time communication over the Internet. The learning experience at SchMOOze is very valuable for EFL learners, who can benefit many things that they cannot gain from learning in the real world. This study also suggests a guideline for the adoption of MOO to an actual college English class. This eight week long program offers ideas and practical considerations about how language practitioners can actually use SchMOOze University MOO to enhance student learning.