Tandem-Neuigkeiten 19oct01

3.2 eTandem
Dawn d'Atri * Sandra Szymanski
ln 2001, the International Tandem Congress is being held on the Internet. Topics include
multilingualism as well as communication possibilities offered by the Internet for language
learners. This contribution addresses both subjects since language learning in eTandem implies
tandem across large distances with the help of electronic media, such as, for example, Internet
or telephone.
Waf makes up on eTandem?
Tandem has long proven an effective foreign language learning method in many areas.
Electronic media such as the Internet and telephone make it possible to work with tandem
partners all over the world, regardless of physical location.
eTandem partners communicate across large distances
-via the Internet
-through e-mail (written and asynchronous)
-through voice mail (oral and asynchronous)
-in MOOs and in chats (written and synchronous)
-on the phone or in video conferences (oral and synchronous).
eTandem learners can work together independently of time and place. Therefore, it is an
optimal means for those professionals who cannot spare any time in addition to their job for
language class participation to improve their languages skills in a flexible manner. However,
eTandem can also be combined with a language course: foreign language skills acquired in a
language class can be trained and immediately put into practñe. If loÑUle, tandem learners
should combine asynchronous and synchronous means of communication, both of which have
distinct advantages
L'arious media for eTandem
Authentic foreign language texts have become more easily accessible through the media developments
of the past few years. Not only can language learners find a wide variety of materials
in libraries, media centers and in the mass media, they are also presented with more and more
opportunities to continue their language learning activities using the Internet.
For tandem, the development of cost-effective communication media has become of increasing
importance since learning partnerships can now be formed over long distances. Both partneñ
can communicate from their home countries and learn through different media:
oeTandem is not limited to written mail contact via the Internet (e-mail); audio and
visual documents can easily be attached to e-mail messages.
tCosts for international phone calls have become increasingly competitive, enabling
eTandem partners to telephone each other at relatively low cost from time to
time.
oeTandem partners can also meet at a designated time on the Internet and communicate
synchronously and in written form in chats or in Moos. Moos are