A model of the Internet-based second language curriculum

This dissertation presents a model of a Second Language Curriculum based on the Internet, which was implemented in one German intermediate level course at a suburban university and in a German conversation course at a prestigious urban University in the Fall semester of 2001 and the Spring semester of 2002. The Internet activities were applied in the manner promoted by constructivist theories and related second language acquisition methods and approaches such as the Natural Approach and the Communicative Proficiency Approach. While there are published studies showing the application of the Internet in second language learning either as distance learning courses, or as adjunct activities, no attempt to replace the textbook with the Internet for the entire length of a face-to-face SL course has yet been reported. This study argues that a comprehensive model of the Internet-based Curriculum is possible and that it can integrate the most successful strategies for actively involving students in a meaningful learning and significantly improve their communicative skills.