Guides on the side? Tasks and challenges for teachers in telecollaborative projects

Abstract

This paper reports on research carried out on an intercultural telecollaborative exchange between language learners in Germany and Ireland and focuses particularly on what was required of the teachers in the development of the project. The review of the literature looks at the role of telecollaboration within the field of network-based language learning and also offers an overview of the different types of interaction which have been identified on on-line message boards. Following that, the different tasks of the teachers in the German-Irish exchange are explored. These include developing learners’ understanding of intercultural learning, improving learners’ ability to make effective contributions to the on-line interaction, increasing their awareness of the difference between on-line monologues and dialogues and finally, establishing a good working relationship with the partner teacher. Based on these findings, recommendations are outlined on how to prepare teachers for telecollaborative projects.