Collaborative Activities in the Development of Writing Skills Using the Internetbased Platform

Abstract

The paper discusses the uses of the Internet – based collaborative activities for language learning. It presents two examples of an international project and surveys their methodological implications. One of the activities, called WebSiteStory, is a model for creative writing. This activity involves enhancing language learning and raises cultural awareness for participating students from five countries. ACROSS is a crosscurricular cross-cultural problem solving activity where on-line exchange of specific information leads to final reports on energy sources in European countries. Language learning and the subject matter created a powerful link between the language classroom and the world outside motivating students for collaboration. An evaluation survey that followed brought forward the benefits of co-operative creativity in language learning using the Web as a communication platform.