Virtual Language Exchanges in Lower-level Language Classes: Promise and Practice

Interacting with native speakers in various types of virtual exchanges is becoming increasingly accessible for language learners and teachers around the world. The present study examined the experiences of beginning and intermediate level learners of Spanish in the United States as they interacted weekly with native Spanish speakers over the course of three academic years. Students were assigned to face-to-face settings or one of a variety of virtual exchange platforms including both free and paid services. The unique opportunities created by the structure and features of each setting whether face-to-face or online did seem to have an effect on the students' experiences and were visible in the data analysis. Results indicate that students' gender and the context in which they interacted with native Spanish speakers were related to greater or lesser changes in students' motivation, willingness to communicate and perceived learning. Additionally, engaging with a paid interlocutor in a setting with few technological issues seemed to improve outcomes.