VIRTUAL EXCHANGE PERSPECTIVES IN THE USE OF ENGLISH AS LINGUA FRANCA

Abstract

Telecollaboration (BELZ, 2003) emerges in the pedagogical scenario as a way to meet geographic, linguistic and cultural needs, allowing access to languages and cultures. Deriving from teletandem (TELLES, 2006), a virtual, autonomous and collaborative language learning context with VOIP technology writing, voice and image resources, we propose the present study based on online collaboration in English as a lingua franca. Based on the theoretical support of telecollaboration, teletandem and English as a lingua franca, we aim to describe sessions of collaboration between international partnerships. Using a qualitative methodology, data were collected through questionnaires, reports and field notes from the sessions. Considering this form of virtual exchange, we hope to present contributions to the process of teaching/learning foreign languages.