Review of research methods on language e-learning interactions

Šiuolaikinis elektroninio mokymo iššūkis nebeatsiejamas nuo elektroninio kalbų mokymo, kuriame plačiai pradėtas vartoti terminas „interakcijos“. Pasitelkus šios srities mokslo tiriamuosius darbus, straipsnyje analizuojama interakcijos sąvoka bei su ja glaudžiai susiję terminai „elektroninis mokymas“, „elektroninio kalbų mokymo interakcijos“ (EKMI). Darbe aptariama interakcijos sąvoka, pagrindinis dėmesys skiriamas esminių EKMI mokslo tiriamųjų darbų sinchroninei ir konceptualiajai analizei. Remiantis esama moksline pasauline literatūra, kritiškai apžvelgiami įvairūs EKMI analizės mokslinio tyrimo metodai. Pastebėtina, kad šiuo metu mokslinio tyrimo darbų analizuojančių EKMI, daugiausiai yra anglo-saksoniškose šalyse bei Prancūzijoje. Šie moksliniai darbai suklasifikuotini pagal metodo pobūdį į dvi stambias grupes: eksperimentinius (kiekybinius) ir aprašomuosius (kokybinius) metodus.Drawing upon the specifics of e-learning in general and language e-learning in particular, a definition of the terms e-learning and e-learning interactions is provided. The present article defines e-learning interactions as the spatial synergy between two main elements - namely, the information technologies and human factor. In this study, the state of the foreign language e-learning to date on the basis of the works by French linguist Mangenot is being discussed. It has been found that most scientific research on language e-learning interactions has been done in the Anglo-Saxon countries and France. Having attempted to categorise all these works by nature of the method used, two large groups of methods were distinguished: experimental (quantitative) and descriptive (qualitative). Their respective advantages, drawbacks and differences were outlined. The line between experimental and descriptive methods is not always apparent. While there is no basis at this time to claim a discovery of genuine scientific theories, there are already a number of experts working exclusively in this domain. Computer-mediated communications (CMC, French abbreviation ĆMO), or interaction through computers, is the most favourable field of research on e-learning interactions for a teacher or linguist. This area has already warranted intervention by language scientists (the forerunners in this respect being Anis in France and Herring in the U.S.A.), sociologists, IT and communications specialists. In most cases, descriptive (qualitative) methods are applied in order to describe interaction between new practical language exercises and the technical tools used. Many specific, especially educological queries arise in this respect. All the means, tasks and materials used by a teacher or pupil are investigated