The Internet also contains a plethora of student-centered resources that promote language learning and increase cultural understanding. Students might use their second language skills to participate in target language e-mail correspondence or chat rooms. They can use a variety of Web sites to research the countries and cultures that speak the target language. Virtual visits by native speakers or professionals who use a second language can occur. Students can locate authentic texts, recipes, songs, and games and participate in virtual tours of culturally relevant sites.
Students can practice grammar and vocabulary skills with interactive language programs.
Students can develop listening and speaking skills by consulting interactive web pages with audio capabilities. The possibilities are endless and an attempt to definitively summarize the various uses of the Internet in a world language classroom is nearly impossible. As the Internet grows rapidly and changes daily, so to do its educational and linguistic applications. However, it is important to examine the linguistic and pedagogical benefits of these activities. Though the implementation of Internet resources can occur in many forms, a survey of the related literature reveals notable benefits of its incorporation.