Developing analytic, cognitive and linguistic skills with an electronic negotiation system

An increasing number of Web-based systems, including brainstorming, decision-making, and negotiation support systems, are being developed to aid users in solving particular types of problems in various contexts. These systems can be effectively used in language teaching providing learning experience in an authentic setting. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the value of integrating Inspire, a Web-based negotiation support system, to augment conventional teaching of communication and academic skills in second language courses. Inspire provides a platform and tools for negotiators to work together to resolve their differences. The preparation for the negotiation and the conduct of the negotiation in an asynchronous mode are designed to give the users control over the process and the outcome of their negotiations. Exchange of offers, counteroffers and messages creates a framework for a meaningful interaction, where results depend on the users' decisions and their ability to communicate effectively. Going through different phases of the negotiation, the students develop analytic, cognitive and linguistic skills, albeit some better than others. The paper argues that systems oriented on solving problems in a group setting lend themselves to the communicative approach to language teaching embedded in the theory of second language acquisition. It also discusses issues related to its adoption, and suggests strategies for its diffusion.