Developing English communication ability through ICT sychronous joint TV class

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The authors studied the methods and significance of integrating whole-class live-videoconferencing among distant university classes into their own curriculum. The authors argued the effectiveness of such a synchronous interaction as a means to develop both oral communication ability and attitude toward inter-and cross-cultural communication. The importance of pre-and post-activities supplementing reading and writing topics the class dealt with was stressed. Another point in successful live videoconferencing was interactiveness and student-centeredness. Administrative and technical issues such as difficulty in scheduling were also discussed. Commitment on the part of teachers and staff is a prerequisite. Above all, the stimulating and supportive classroom atmosphere that videoconferencing creates encourages the participants to communicate with each other, which is essential in EFL classes. In addition, the faculty involved is expected to further develop their skills through participating in videoconferences.