Asynchronous Collaboration Integrating Online Learning in the Foreign Language Classroom

Abstract

Collaboration is an inherent part of education and business processes today. With nearly global availability of online access, the diversified nature of learning is no longer tied to a traditional classroom setting. In an educational environment, be it a traditional or virtual setting, collaborative activities can greatly facilitate learning through realistic contexts and engage learners by devising solutions to complex problems. Regardless if a group of students working on a common project are co- located or geographically dispersed, interjecting an element of online collaboration can contribute greatly to the success of a group effort. In SLA/SLL and foreign language learning environments involving adult learners, interaction and collaboration are fundamental elements of the learning process through which knowledge is transferred and assimilated (Mitchell & Myles, 2004). In this paper, the rationale and a process of implementing online collaboration activities in a face-to- face (FTF) foreign language learning setting is presented.