An Empirical Study of Using Internet-Based Desktop Videoconferencing in an EFL Setting

The recently developed Internet-based desktop videoconferencing as the highest level of CMC offers an authentic learning environment in which language learners can orally and visually interact with another human being in the target language, much in the same way as in a face-to-face interaction (Wang, 2004a, 2004b). The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of interaction with native speakers via Internet-based desktop videoconferencing on EFL learners' language proficiency in terms of fluency, accuracy and complexity, as well as examine L2 learners' perception on using Internet-based videoconferencing to access native speakers to promote L2 learning.