Abstract

Peer interaction is an important part of language learning. The results of previous studies showed advantages and disadvantages of peer interaction between native speakers and English learners. Using the educational simulation platform TeachLivE as the interaction platform, this qualitative descriptive case study explored the possibilities of bridging the gap between classroom language practice and real-life second language communication. The study recruited eight participants for a task-based interaction project. Using conversation analysis, the study revealed details in communication between adult English learners and their digital character peers. During the interactions, the participants were actively involved and the most frequent communication patterns were collaborative and cooperative. The analysis of interviews of participants and the interactor explored the factors that influenced the communication patterns between the young adult English learners and their digital peers. The results showed that the communication experience with digital characters was authentic and the virtual platform was critical to build the confidence of English learners' language use. Moreover, the multiple digital characters manipulated by interaction protocols were also helpful to create a scaffolding effect for practicing oral communication for the English learners.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2017

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Nutta, Joyce

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Education and Human Performance

Degree Program

Education; Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0006823

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0006823

Language

English

Release Date

August 2017

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

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