Language Learning in Tandem

Annotation #6

Elia, A. (2006). Language learning in tandem via Skype. Reading Matrix: An International Online Journal, 6(3), 269-280.

Antonella Elia illustrates how audio and networking tools have developed over time to connect language learners of different cultures: from cassettes, CD-Roms, and pen pals, to email, instant messaging, and now Skype.

Tandem Face-to-Face language learning refers to a pedagogical practice of pairing two students who are learning each other's mother tongue so that they can learn from each other. Elia claims that: "The aim of a digital tandem exchange via Skype is to put into practice a model for learner autonomy such as that advocated by Holec (1981), where the subject to self-develop the capacity for directing personal learning during the language acquisition process is offered."

This use of Skype appears valid to me. Compared to video reference which is still emerging and has yet to take off, language learning and Skype seem like a more natural fit. The concept of pairing language learners is not new. What's more, Elia makes a strong case for Skype's worldwide popularity. She cites some statistics I had not come across before in my research. In 2006, Skype was "twice the size of Yahoo! (26 million registered) and over six times that of AOL. In just two years, it has seen over 150 million downloads in 225 countries and over 51 million people registered to use Skype's free services."

I think Skype's global popularity make it particularly well-positioned to be a cross-cultural learning tool, although MSN Windows Live probably has more universal popularity since it comes with Windows. As Elia rightly points out, Skype's advantage is that it functions on all 3 major operating systems and has a user-friendly interface that does not intimidate less "techy" users.

Elia also touches on peripheral services, not officially sponsored by Skype, that have developed including Mixxer and Skypecasting. Mixxer is a website/database that matches language learners with partners across the world using Skypenames. This service still exists in 2009: http://www.language-exchanges.org/

Skypecasting refers to a growing trend of people recording themselves via Skype and turning their recordings into podcasts that are "broadcast" to other Skype users using Skype's peer-to-peer file sharing features.

While these peripheral uses continue to develop, I'm skeptical about their overall popularity. There does not seem to be a significant "Skype community" in the way of Facebook, Twitter, or Yahoo chatrooms. If anything, Skype is a modification of the telephone, combining texting and calling, rather than a platform for debate or a discussion forum. Most users are not meeting new people on Skype. They're talking to friends, family, or colleagues who are physically distant.

This is why Elia's article on pairing language learners is interesting. It illustrates how Skype can be used to make new social connections that still adhere to traditionally acceptable methods of social interaction. Having a Skype language learning buddy is essentially no different than having a pen pal, and the interaction is legitimized by a classroom setting. "New" acquaintances are pre-screened by either a language teacher or a site like Mixxer, offering a sense of security and comfort.

As with any online matching service or communication software, privacy and safety are concerns. Elia does not discuss whether Mixxer has been (mis)used to make connections of a less educational nature or whether Mixxer has put standards in place to prevent the misuse of its site.

Speaking of security and anonymity, Skype itself offers users the ability to go into "Skype Me" mode which makes you visible to all Skype users (as opposed to the regular "available" status where only your pre-approved contacts can see you're online). I've had friends receive "Skype me" messages, mostly IM rather than voice calls, from strangers in foreign countries who are using Skype as an open chatroom, looking for cybersex. Mixxer seeks to avoid this unsavory aspect, so I can see its appeal to language teachers.

Likewise, I assume most Skype users take for granted that their calls are confidential and are not being recorded. In fact, we don't always know that this is the case. In my next post, I'll discuss Skype's level of security and try to decipher some articles written by professional cryptographers who attempt to hack Skype in order to test its defenses.