Open Session

[Zoom] This session is open to anyone

Short Presentation

Zoom Chat with Teachers: Student Experiences in an Online Self-Access Lounge

Sat, Dec 18, 09:50-10:15 Asia/Tokyo Room 5

A major goal of self-access language lounges is to provide opportunities for learners to practice the target language in an informal environment. Zoom Chat with Teachers (ZCT) is a self-access conversation lounge that offers an opportunity for such practice. Known as English Chat Time (ECT) when conducted on the presenters’ campus, the pandemic has necessitated a shift to an online format, using Zoom. This presentation is part of a larger project that critically examines and aims to improve ZCT, tracking the program’s development since its inception as English Chat Time in 2010. The presenters will analyze the program focusing mainly from the students’ perspective, suggesting activities and ways to develop such programs even after face-to-face classes resume.