teCHnO FOCuS: Live oral practice with native speakers using WeSpeke and LiveMocha. Throughout this chapter, you have learned about the importance of engaging learners in meaningful interactions with native speakers of the TL outside of the classroom. Technological advances have made possible the creation of online programs through which learners can be paired up with native speakers for purposes of live oral interaction and practice. Two popular programs available at this time are: LiveMocha (http://livemocha.com/) and WeSpeke (http://en-us.wespeke.com/). Select one of these programs (or a different one if you are familiar with another option or if these are no longer available), access the program’s website, and explore the information you find there about the program as you answer the following questions:
1. What specific types of interactive opportunities does the program offer learners?
2. how would the opportunities afforded by the program support the SLA theoretical base presented in this chapter? Describe in detail the connections to three theoretical frameworks. 3. how do you think this type of experience might impact learner motivation? Cite several examples from the research on motivation described in this chapter to support your answer