Relation of text-based CMC to increases in oral proficiency  

Background:  The Internet provides a lot of opportunity for language practice, but much of that is in the written realm.  That raises the question as to what, if any, impact written Internet use has on the development of oral language skills.  

Research question: Does use of computer-mediated communication result in increased oral proficiency?  

Suggested methodology/comments:  Pre-test and post-test of oral proficiency of people who are involved in extensive use of computer-mediated communication but have little or no speaking or listening practice during that time.

Contact:  Mark Warschauer    markw@uci.edu

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