Ηλεκτρονικό Tandem: μία εναλλακτική μέθοδος εκμάθησης της ξένης γλώσσας

Abstract

The objective of the present paper is to present an alternative method of foreign language learning, the tandem. We try to define it, we refer to the way that it can work and how it can be applied in language learning. Next, we are focusing our interest on the electronic tandem and analyze certain digital tools that are used in implementing this particular process. The tools are categorized by the type of communication (synchronous or asynchronous) that they achieve and their presentation includes information about what these tools are, how they are used and whether their use is easy, the way they can help the participants throughout the process, but also the problems associated with their use. More specifically, we refer to the chat, the videoconference and the virtual worlds which are considered tools of synchronous communication. We also analyze the e mail and the blog, which are tools of asynchronous communication. Finally, we refer to the use of the social media in the tandem process, which are considered tools that combine synchronous with asynchronous communication Our final objective is to inform the teachers and students of the foreign languages about the possibilities that the tandem offers and to motivate educational institutions to incorporate the particular method in their educational programs.