Journal Article

Synchronous and asynchronous online collaborative writing: A study on Chinese language learners

Zhang, Meixiu, Liu, Qi

2023

Overview

Despite the solid evidence that online collaborative writing (CW) tasks benefit language learning, little is known about whether the computer‐mediated communication (CMC) modality may impact the potential of online CW tasks in foreign language classrooms. This study examined the effect of task modality on the utility of CW tasks in language classrooms. Fourteen Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) learners completed Google Docs‐based CW tasks in two modalities: A synchronous CMC modality entailing video‐chatting in Zoom and an asynchronous CMC modality where learners interacted in Google Docs with delayed time. Through analyzing multiple data sources (i.e., peer interaction, written products, editing logs, interviews), we found that, while CMC modality did not impact writing performance, CFL learners had more language learning opportunities and more positive learning experiences in the synchronous mode than in the asynchronous one. The findings revealed multiple challenges that require attention when implementing asynchronous CW tasks in teaching. Online collaborative writing is found to be beneficial for language learning. When implementing online collaborative writing tasks, should teachers have students work synchronously or asynchronously? How does that influence the learning opportunities and students' performance? What do students think about the different modalities? This article provides insights into these questions.

• Publisher: Wiley,American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
• Subject: Active Learning / African Languages / Asynchronous Communication / Chinese / Chinese as a second language / Chinese languages / Classrooms / Collaboration / Collaborative Writing / Communication / Computer assisted language learning / Computer Mediated Communication / Cooperative learning / Delayed / Distance learning / Editing / Educational activities / Educational Opportunities / Educational Technology / Electronic Learning / English Learners / Evidence / Foreign language learning / Foreign languages / Internet / Language acquisition / Learning / Literature Reviews / Mandarin Chinese / Online Courses / Online instruction / Peer relationships / Perceptions / Phonology / Program Effectiveness / Qualitative Research / Researchers / Second Language Instruction / Second language learning / Second Language Programs / Second language writing / Student Motivation / Synchronous Communication / Teaching / Thinking Skills / Videoconferencing / Word Processing / Writing / Writing Assignments / Writing Instruction