A study of online synchronous immersive communication in Mandarin Chinese

Online real-time immersive communication has valuable effects on language learning. However, the extent to which this kind of interaction helps improve Chinese language learners’ speaking ability remains unexplored. This study examines whether online real-time immersive communication helps improve learners’ speaking ability and whether it enhances their overall learning experience. Learners who participated in this study were enrolled in a pre-advanced Chinese language and engaged in online tutorials with pre-service teachers in pursuit of teaching Chinese as a foreign language. They completed an online speaking test and an end-of-semester survey on their overall learning experience, in addition to participating in individual interviews. The results point toward growth in speaking skills and overall positive learner experiences in online immersive learning. Learners’ input supports the design and planning of the online program and its technology use but recommends future reduction of workload. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed at the end of the paper.