Learner perspectives on task design for oral–visual eTandem Language Learning

Constituting a more specific form of online collaboration, eTandem Language Learning (eTLL) shows great potential for non-formal, self-directed language learning. Research in this field, particularly regarding task design, is still scarce. Focusing on their beliefs and attitudes, this article examines what learners think about how telecollaborative tasks for oral–visual eTLL should be designed. For the present study, 22 learners of Spanish from The University of Vienna, Austria, participated in regular exchanges with learners of German at the University of Alicante, Spain. With the aim of investigating their perspectives on task design, students were asked to evaluate their experiences in written reports, online questionnaires and an individual interview. Data indicate that learners especially demand tasks supporting natural conversation situations with topics closely related to their everyday lives.