Skype Adds New Dimension to Language Learning

by Lauren Nemec

Perhaps I am much too young to be saying things like this, but back in my day, the only technology my school used in teaching foreign languages was a beat up old cassette player. And we certainly didn't have contact with native speakers (unless you count the one letter I received from my French pen pal).

Things change so quickly. The Christian Science Monitor posted an article today called, "Learn a Foreign Language - Over the Web", which illustrates how services like Skype allow language students to connect with native speakers around the world, revolutionizing the way foreign languages are taught and learned.

This clearly benefits a student's language ability by providing exposure to a variety of accents, increaseing vocabulary, building confidence and speeding up competency. There are other benefits too- skyping with people in foreign languages can develop cross-cultural communication skills, help students understand cultural differences, build knowledge about global issues, and help them to succeed in international and multicultural environments.

I guess I should throw out my obsolete French tapes.