What do we want to know?
The advent of the virtual classroom over networked systems means that a group of learners (whether 3 or 20 individuals) can get together and extend their language learning activity beyond the regular confines of time (scheduled classes) and space (the physical classroom). Not only does this virtual learning environment possibly replicate the traditional environment, it may offer other, different benefits or even disadvantages. Audiographic conference systems are otherwise known as online tuition, or computer-mediated communication; synchronous means that the system is used in real-time.
Who wants to know?
Policy-makers, practitioners, those involved in teacher education.
What did we find?
No studies met the criteria for the in-depth review, so no conclusions can be drawn.
What are the implications?
More research is needed; however, synchronous audiographic conferencing should not be excluded from practice until further evidence has been obtained.
How did we get these results?
A range of databases were searched, and the records retrieved were scanned for those which matched the inclusion criteria.
This summary was prepared by the EPPI Centre
This report should be cited as: Hassan X, Hauger D, Nye G, Smith P (2005) The use and effectiveness of synchronous audiographic conferencing in modern language teaching and learning (online language tuition): a systematic review of available research. In: Research Evidence in Education Library. London: EPPI Centre, Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London.