Pedagogical considerations for a web-based tandem language learning environment

Tandem language learning strategies have long been recognised for their pedagogical value. E-mail tandem exchanges have allowed learners to engage in active communicative contact with native speakers of their target language, but research around these exchanges has suffered due to difficulties with data collection. This paper describes a web-based tandem language learning environment the authors have developed which eliminates these difficulties. In particular, the paper discusses the pedagogical advantages of the specifically designed web-based environment over traditional e-mail tandem exchanges. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.