English Learning Chat Rooms
- A chat room is a live, synchronous textual environment where each participant can type and read messages from participants, perhaps across the globe. As many younger people are already confident in SMS texting and instant messaging technologies, chat rooms offer a comfortable surrounding to try new skills. Because of the natural anonymity of the Internet, some learners feel more confident in an environment where they can make mistakes without social concerns. Research does indicate that active participants in English learning chat rooms can increase their vocabulary and syntactical skills as well as increase feelings of self-efficacy before using writing and speaking skills in other higher-risk situations such as testing or conversation.
- Though slower connections are permissible, a fast connection will make your experience more agreeable. Depending on the chat room host, additional software may be required. Further, as some chat rooms are voice-enabled, you will also need a sound card, speakers or headphones, and a good quality microphone. Some chat rooms are open all hours of the day, while others operate on a schedule, depending on the host.
- Active participation is the only way to become successful learning any language. Chat room participants are expected to engage themselves in the chat and not to simply observe. Depending on the curriculum of organized chats, you may be scheduled to speak or write in the chat room during specific sessions, or the chat may be unstructured, where anyone can write or speak of their own interests. The host may also be receptive to specific lessons or topics from the chat members, so consider your own strengths and weaknesses and communicate often with the chat room host about your progress.
- As with most Internet environments, there is a certain behavioral expectation, showing respect to all other participants. Such respect makes everyone more comfortable and willing to participate. Generally, no abusive language is permitted, including hateful speech, intolerance of other people, profanity, or commercial solicitation. All conversation should be conducted in English, and first languages are normally prohibited to encourage learning.
- English learning chat rooms can be located through a local school or college academic advisors, through Web search engines, and often through the vendors of print and computer media, such as textbooks. Popular online chat rooms include those at EnglishForums.com and EnglishClub.com. You should read introductory material of any chat room that interests you, and try more than one until you find one that meets your needs and in which you can comfortably participate.
