The activities and applications here pre-assume that students and teachers have internet access and a sufficient degree computer and internet literacy. The internet allows language students to communicate in ways never before possible. The ability for students to communicate with native speakers, or other language learners, and do it from opposite sides of the globe is a great asset in language instruction. Dave's ESL Cafe and Exchange . Websites where students can post ideas or questions, and respond to other students.
Forums can be general, or dedicated to specific topics.
EnglishTown hosts several forums. They are often considered somewhat cultish. The internet has become the source for supporting content. With the millions upon millions of websites, as well as on-line newspapers, journals, cultural information, etc., finding materials for a class can be relatively easy. Languages teachers in general are already quite adept at finding authentic materials and designing activities around them.