Distance Education in Foreign Languages

Abstract

There are solid advantages to a distance education approach to foreign language acquisition. Practical aspects are important, but even more important is the improvement in the communicative environment available in a distance format as compared to a face-to-face classroom. Advantages beyond the pragmatic include increased student-centeredness, relevance for the fulfillment of the National Foreign Language Standards, and extension of the understanding of processes of Second Language Acquisition. Disadvantages spring from some of the same sources as the advantages, but they can be handled skillfully so that positive features are maximized.