Week 5 reading on " Language Learner Behaviour in Virtual Environment"

In this article, it is found that from an experimental project, the behaviour of language learners online will be different from their behaviour in classroom setting. I think this finding is quite logical and within anticipation, since it is not uncommon that students will behave differently under different situations, that certainly includes a virtual environment.

I think the most important point of this project is its finding ascertains the fact that since learners may change their attitude in language learning under different situations, it is worthwhile to create and introduce different learning environments to suit different learners. As mentioned in the article, it is noted that some shy language learners will become more active online than in traditional classroom. Therefore, a supplementary online learning environment will obviously be advantangeous to such students in language learning. This is especially true for those students who are afraid to handle face-to-face discussion, but would brave enough in taking group work participation when under an online situation.

In summary, with the introduction of advanced network technology and computer facilities at home, the development of language learning online will become more and more important, in particular for those students who live in remote areas but neeed to improve their English learning with others over the world.