I also have received e-mail's from about 5 other students in the school. E-mail allows these students to communicate with their foreign teacher in English at their own pace and without pressure. Interestingly, after many e-mail or ICQ communications, these students tend to open up more in the classroom. I reply to each e-mail I receive, and try to build a rapport with the student. This type of communication is 'authentic communication'.
Authentic communication refers to communication that is practical, genuine and has a purpose.
Especially for these students, grammar becomes less important and the 'idea' becomes more important. The above all refers to informal communications. Course syllabi being available on line, compositions submitted by e-mail and notes from teachers going out to the students. Not just language teachers can access the Internet for affective communication with their students. Teachers, by making themselves available through the Internet, open another door through which a young person can approach a responsible adult.