Language Exchange Activities via E-mail between ESP Classes: Preparing Power Point Presentations

Abstract

Language exchange activities via e-mail achieve several language learning purposes, e.g. reading, writing, spelling, grammar, vocabulary. E-mail correspondence enhances collaboration, involves in real life communication within the formal educational course. In a meaningful context and peer-to-peer communication between e-pals, e-mail tasks provide a genuine exchange of views between key partners and motivate learners to communicate clearly. This article will address the findings of the research into e-mail exchange between students in the ESP classes of different specializations. The major objective of this research has been to investigate key partners’ ability to negotiate the choice of materials and the content of Power Point presentations on professional topics via e-mail exchanges. Prior to setting an experiment, learners’ attitudes to e-learning were surveyed by administering a questionnaire. Analysis of e-mailing between key partners has been carried out, focussing on the scenarios of correspondence. A final stage of this e-mail project is the collaborative delivery of prepared presentations in front of the audience. Learners’ self- and peer-assessment of their performance finalizes the outcomes of e-mail project and its impact on the learning process.