Synchronous distance education: enhancing speaking skills via Internet-based real time technology

The paper reports on an investigation into one of the most urgent problems facing distance language education: the problem of lack of exposure to speaking practice in the target language. The Open Learning Chinese Program taught at Griffith University is used as a case study. Following a discussion on issues relating to distance education for languages such as the indispensability of technology to learning languages in a distance mode, and the importance of communicative competence, the paper moves on to an examination of the capabilities of Internet based real time technology. Two major indications can be generated from this research: real time technology can help solve the problem of insufficient exposure to speaking practice, and a historical convergence of distance and traditional campus based education toward a networked education can be expected.