SKYPE-BASED ENGLISH ACTIVITIES: A CASE FOR COMPELLING INPUT? CORRELATIONAL CHANGES BEFORE AND AFTER SKYPE EXCHANGES
SKYPE-BASED ENGLISH ACTIVITIES: A CASE FOR COMPELLING INPUT? CORRELATIONAL CHANGES BEFORE AND AFTER SKYPE EXCHANGES

Summary/Abstract: This paper reports the results of a small, longitudinal study involving a group of Japanese elementary school students (N = 29) involved in exploratory research using foreign language activities, including two Skype exchanges between these students and students in Australia. The purpose of the research was to test for the impact of a series of Skype exchange activities with students in Australia on Japanese elementary school students’ affective variables toward EFL. The results show that the students had statistically significant increases in foreign language activities, international posture, and motivation. This tech-based language activity arguably supplied compelling comprehensible input. The student participation in the preparations leading up to the exchanges would have encouraged them to work diligently to be able to speak so as to be understood. The results are discussed regarding future directions in this line of research.

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