This activity is designed to use computer-mediated communication to complete learner profiles and compare the information to other profiles in the target language. An alternate version of this activity would be to have learners interact with an expert speaker of the target language instead of a classmate to complete a similar task and then reflect on the interaction.
Outcomes:
- Learners will be able to ask and answer questions to complete a profile with a classmate (or expert speaker).
- Learners will be able to compare their own profiles with that of an expert speaker to compare ways in which people express themselves in profiles.
Resources:
Computer Mediated Communication Resource sheet (download here)
Sample Grading Rubric (download here)
Procedure:
- Begin by having learners brainstorm question words appropriate for completing a profile. Special emphasis can be placed on what is okay to ask about and what is not.
- Ask learners to interact via a computer mediated chat tool of your choice to complete the profiles. The tool can be used for peer-to-peer interaction or for interaction with native speakers. Learners should submit their chat transcript as well as the completed profile for grading.
- Have learners compare their own profiles with those of expert speakers to examine the pragmatic aspects of profiles. Elements to consider include: what information is (and is not) shared, how the information is reflected in the profile, and various ways of expressing opinions.
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