Des échanges scolaires autrement

Abstract

New technologies for classroom exchanges between students in different countries can now be part of regular courses and be carried out during the entire school year. In this example the focus is not so much on the accomplishment of a concrete task or a travel project as a complement to the regular school programme, but rather on a parallel programme carried out by students of two classes who communicate with each other in a foreign language. During this regular collaborative work the learners are guided by their teachers and make use of all the available technologies (email, chat, videoconferencing and internet forums) to practise their acquired skills while creating dialogues and interactive situations. Thanks to these frequent and authentic exchanges, the students can work better and obtain better results. It enhances their motivation because they see the usefulness of their learning efforts. The language taught becomes a real communication tool and the language courses allow the creation of an interactive space which helps students acquire intercultural competence.