Language through the Internet: a case study of Italian as foreign language in an Australian high-school

Abstract

This study briefly analyses the influence of the Internet on language teaching and learning and explores some of the most interesting tools and materials provided by the web. In particular, the resources described in the research have been used to plan a language-teaching unit for high school students, through a consistent use of the Internet and its tools. The aim of the study was to evaluate, using questionnaires, the influence that an Internet-based teaching unit could have on students’ motivation and attitude towards the target language and the lessons. The research also includes comments and impressions by the teachers of the classes that took part in the study. From the analysis of the results emerges that students’ attitude towards the subject did not change significantly and that teachers involved in the research have some concerns related to the excessive use of the Internet in class. Nevertheless the data also show how Internet-linked resources can be highly appreciated by both students and teachers.