Meeting the communities standard through language exchange via video-based synchronous computer-mediated communication and effects on motivation of first-year Spanish language learners

Current research supports a link between the foreign language Communities standard, learner motivation, and the use of computer-mediated communication in the language classroom. The Communities standard, although it is the least addressed in classrooms, calls for learners to interact with the target language community. Research into motivation has found that learners react positively to the use of communication technologies in the classroom and the opportunity to use the target language for authentic communication with native speakers. However, few studies have been done to assess how connecting with target language community members through online video-based conversation affects learner motivation. This study explores the changes in motivation and perspectives of first-year Spanish language students after participating in a class project that puts them in contact with native Spanish speakers using the website Verbling.