1. University of Évora Évora, 27 – 30 November 2002 Language – Communication – Culture International Conference

2. To chat or not to chat in the EFL classroom, that is the question! Teresa Almeida d'Eça Évora, 29 th November 2002 Évora, 29 th November 2002

3. Évora, 29 November 2002 INTRODUCTION: LANGUAGE – COMMUNICATION – CULTURE "Language is a powerful means to communicate... [that] has proven to be a superior tool toward... help[ing] others reach higher states of knowledge." (Lynne T. Diaz-Rico) "Communication is the key to education, understanding and peace." (James Bryce)

4. Évora, 29 November 2002 CHAT synchronous two-way communication computer-mediated communication (CMC)

5. CHAT AND WEBHEADS IN ACTION an international online group of EFL/ESL teachers a community of practice a multicultural community who speaks different varieties of English "a support group for those interested in learning and doing CMC" Évora, 29 November 2002

6. CHAT AND THE LEARNING PROCESS 3 chat modes textaudiovideo diversified and comprehensive learning

7. Évora, 29 November 2002 TAPPED IN (campus and reception) a multi-user virtual environment (MUVE) a CyberCampus

8. Évora, 29 November 2002 YAHOO MESSENGER '3 in 1' mode: text, audio and videoconferencing the '4 in 1 tool': practice the four basic skills

9. Évora, 29 November 2002 APPLICATIONS OF CHAT TO THE EFL (ESL) CLASSROOM setting: cyberspace strong emphasis on communication and authentic language talk about the 'real' world, with 'real' people, in 'real' time intensive practice in 2 or 4 basic skills

10. Évora, 29 November 2002 CHAT AND THE EFL (ESL) CLASSROOM: ADVANTAGES added motivation and excitement learning by interacting with real people collaborative and cooperative learning interactions at 3 different levels: p2p / t2s / m2s communicative skills and technological competencies social skills transferable skills

11. Évora, 29 November 2002 CHAT AND THE EFL (ESL) CLASSROOM: DISADVANTAGES oversimplified language "Nu Shortcuts in School R 2 Much 4 Teachers" (Jennifer 8. Lee) (sic) u - r - ur - b4 - l8r - wuz - cuz - 2 jk - nm - oic - brb - ttyl - lol time zones and limit to participants technical problems

12. Évora, 29 November 2002 CHAT AND EMAIL: CONFLICTING OR COMPLEMENTARY TOOLS? complementary tools same basic aim: communication a more fascinating, authentic and enriching experience

13. Évora, 29 November 2002 SUGGESTIONS / PRACTICAL ADVICE care in the choice of platform start small set a task for each session monitor student work both on and off line

14. Évora, 29 November 2002 CONCLUSION fascination, excitement, enrichment community online building intense and real(-time) practice of language tremendous potential for professional development fun, healthy socializing, mutual support and true friendship

15. Évora, 29 November 2002 VISIT MY WEB PAGE! www.malhatlantica.pt/teresadeca/ READ MY PAPER! www.malhatlantica.pt/teresadeca/papers/evora2002/chat-and-efl.htm SEND ME YOUR COMMENTS! tmvaz@mail.telepac.pt