Telecollaboration in the Online Language Classroom

A major challenge to the online classroom is often argued to be the lack of opportunity to develop interpersonal relationships. Various strategies have been proposed to overcome such isolation including synchronous telepresence activities. However, language programs often struggle with how to best integrate the telecollaboration programs for optimal linguistic success. This interactive presentation offers a novel approach that integrates language coaching sessions as the unifying thread that motivates and ties all course activities together. Preliminary data strongly suggests that this approach facilitates interpersonal relationships between students and their coach that humanize and personalize the online classroom. Students develop a personal connection to a native speaker of the language and culture of study which increases their motivation advance their proficiency and to take ownership of their learning