This article discusses the applications of the theory of Computer Supported
Collaborative Learning (CSCL) to teaching and learning a foreign language, in this case, one of
the ‘Less Commonly Taught Languages’, Finnish. The ‘Virtually Finnish’
project was based on the idea of creating a larger, virtual Finnish learning community among the
second-year Finnish language students in five US universities during the fall semester, 2001. CSCL
was chosen as a base, as its principal goal is to aid the learners in sharing and distributing
their knowledge to the whole learning community. In addition to discussing the set up and the
content of the project, the students’ feedback about their language learning experience
in the CSCL-environment will be examined. Furthermore, the conclusions, and the realization of our
goals from the perspective of CSCL, as well as the students’ feedback on the collaborative
process will be discussed. Based on the knowledge gained from limited feedback, a discussion of
tools to aid language students in becoming a part of motivating and authentic collaboration
projects on-line will be discussed. Looking at the students’ work on-line, as well as the
feedback received, it was realized that certain skills crucial for communication have been
neglected in teaching. Furthermore, it was realized that teaching on-line learning strategies in
addition to teaching the target language is crucial. Future plans, and ideas for research in the
area of CSCL will be shared in anticipation of inspiring others to undertake further
research.
Book Review: Dynamics of a Social Language Learning Community by Jo Mynard, Michael Burke, Daniel Hooper, Bethan Kushida, Phoebe Lyon, Ross Sampson, and Phillip Taw
