Computer‐Mediated Collaborative Learning: Theory and Practice

Abstract

Recently interest has grown concerning the uses of online communication for language teaching. Yet this growing interest in computer‐mediated collaborative language learning has not been matched by sufficient research and theory. This article introduces a conceptual framework for understanding the role of computer‐mediated interaction based on a sociocultural analysis of the relationship among text, talk, and learning. The article then analyzes current research according to five features particular to online interaction.