In language teaching

Chat in LT…

* links students around the

world.* links up

classes and groups in different locations.

* Promotes collaborative project work.

* has a clear purpose for

learning.

Types of chat

Text chat

Public chat Private chat

Audio/voice chat

Chat programs

Why use it?

• Learners may already use text/voice chat at home.

• Brings current technology into the classroom.

• It can be motivating!• Enables learners to make contact with

learners in other countries.• Real practice of language.• Chat transcript can be used later for

language analysis.

How to start using chat with learners :

1. Install and learn to use the

software.

2. Run a practice chat

session,

3. Make contact with

another class.

How to structure

a chat lesson!

1. An instroductory/warmer

phase:

Include detailed introductions and an

exchange of personañ information.

This stage serves to set the scene and

acts as an icebreaker.

2. The main content of the chat:

Consists of one main task, or a series

of short tasks.

3. A closing stage:

Learners may summarise what they

have covered or achieved. The teacher

might have set a brief closing task.

Chat sample session1. Before the class, check that the

chat program is installed.

2. Find out of students are familiar with instant messaging.

3. Outline the aim of the chat session.

4. Learners set up individual user accounts.

5. Show learners how to use the text chat feature of the program.

6. Set the learners a simple task.7. Once the time is up, check what they

found out about each other.8. Repeat the activity changing the

task slightly.9. Once the time is up, check what they

found out about each other.

10. (Optional) The aim of this final phase is to provide learners with more practice

in using text chat.

Hope you find it useful!

SaraMuño

z

VickyBlanc

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