Synchronous Text-Based Computer-Mediated Communication Tasks and the Development of L2 Academic Literacy

Jinrong Li
Additional contact information
Jinrong Li: Faculty of the Arts & Sciences Writing Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching (IJCALLT), 2013, vol. 3, issue 1, 16-32

Abstract: Studies on the use of synchronous text-based computer-mediated communication (SCMC) tasks have mostly focused on how they could be used to facilitate the learning of different aspects of a second language. Recent research from a functional perspective has suggested the need to examine the impact of SCMC tasks on the development of L2 academic literacy (Mohan & Luo, 2005). With the increase use of SCMC tasks in ESL writing and other content-based courses, it is necessary to examine the potential of SCMC tasks in facilitating the development of L2 academic literacy. Drawing on the approaches and findings from research on dialogic argumentation (e.g., Seibold & Meyers, 2007), the study examines the development in using argumentative moves in SCMC discourse for a group of three ESL students, and explores the differences between the group and one focal student from the group. The findings suggest that although both the group and the focal student have demonstrated a growing tendency of understanding and responding to others’ views, differences existed between the group and the focal student, indicating that SCMC tasks may help facilitate the development of L2 academic literacy. The differences between individual students may be an important factor and could be better understood by examining students’ learning experiences together with their perceptions of the tasks.

Date: 2013
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://services.igi-global.com/resolvedoi/resolve. ... 8/ijcallt.2013010102 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:igg:jcallt:v:3:y:2013:i:1:p:16-32

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching (IJCALLT) is currently edited by Bin Zou

More articles in International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching (IJCALLT) from IGI Global
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Journal Editor ().