Voice over the internet tools can support language learning by allowing oral communication over the internet. A study collected data on user perspectives of these voice tools from language tutors and students. Interviews and questionnaires found that while the tools encourage dialogue, tutors must be aware of how to properly correct errors and support affective factors in technology-assisted language learning. For best practice, it is important to understand the nature of online communication and give students control over their learning experience with input tools.

1. Voice over the internet: user perspectives on voice tools in language learning Teresa MacKinnon Language Centre, University of Warwick

2. Overview: The Language Centre context Affordances of voice tools User perspectives study Data collected Examples of other uses Best practice

3. Context Language Centre, 3500 students a year, 8 languages for academic credit. Business language teaching operation 4 sanako digital labs, moodlevle Interest in ICT for teaching and learning Increasing importance of oral/aural skills

4. Voice tools Range of easy to use, international process tools to support spoken language over the internet One basic interface: the voiceboard

6. Themes Tutor role Error correction Affective factors: in technology and in language learning Technical management and support

7. Data collection Practitioner interviews and questionnaires ICT “can do” questionnaire (based on Davies, 2004) “Travelermetaphore” (Steiner Kvale,1996) Walkthrough interviews (Garfinkel, 1967) Bildungsreise Quantitative data from software

8. Results

9. Conclusions Useful process to encourage dialogue Community of practice Reflective practitioners Importance of awareness of research Student engagement and desire for control!

11. www.uwe.ac.uk/elearning

14. Best practice notes: Importance of understanding nature of communication Management awareness of relative advantage Opportunity for shared reflection and student input Use may challenge language tutor approach