Exploring the affordances of telepresence robots in foreign language learning

dc.contributor.author Liao, Jian
dc.contributor.author Lu, Xiaofei
dc.contributor.editor Kessler, Greg
dc.date.accessioned 2018-10-03T17:54:05Z
dc.date.available 2018-10-03T17:54:05Z
dc.date.issued 2018-10-01
dc.description.abstract The importance of authentic communicative practices in foreign language (FL) learning has long been recognized. However, most FL learners lack adequate access to authentic communicative environments in the target language. In this article, we propose the use of telepresence robots as a potential solution to bridge this gap. Telepresence robots can be controlled by remote language learners online, enabling them to gain virtual access to authentic environments in the target language and to interact with native speakers in those environments in real time. In this exploratory study, three English learners and a native-speaker of American English participated in a campus tour activity using a telepresence robot. We examined the experience of our participants and the conversational features of their telepresence interactions through analyses of the interview data, field notes, and transcripts of conversations captured on video. Our findings show that telepresence robots have substantial potential for promoting FL learning by providing authentic communicative practice for remote language learners. The findings have useful implications for informing future research design.
dc.identifier.citation Liao, J., & Lu, X. (2018). Exploring the affordances of telepresence robots in foreign language learning. Language Learning & Technology, 22(3), 20–32. https://doi.org/10125/44652
dc.identifier.doi 10125/44652
dc.identifier.issn 1094-3501
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/10125/44652
dc.publisher University of Hawaii National Foreign Language Resource Center
dc.publisher Michigan State University Center for Language Education and Research
dc.subject Computer-Mediated Communication
dc.subject Language Learning Strategies
dc.subject Distance and Open Learning and Teaching
dc.subject Telecollaboration
dc.title Exploring the affordances of telepresence robots in foreign language learning
dc.type Column
dc.type.dcmi Text
local.llt.topic Language Teaching and Technology Forum
prism.endingpage 32
prism.number 3
prism.publicationname Language Learning & Technology
prism.startingpage 20
prism.volume 22
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