ABSTRACT
Two strategies employing Internet-based video-synchronous computer-mediated communication are presented in this chapter to overcome the poverty of opportunity and poverty of interest problems in minor foreign language learning. The first strategy is the creation of a Skype partner program between American students of Japanese at UNC Charlotte and Japanese students of English at Tohoku University. The theoretical motivation for the program and the outcomes are presented; namely, participants’ speaking proficiencies were found to have improved at both institutions. Although they were largely satisfied with the program, there were some student motivation issues. The second strategy was born from the first and is a combination or project-based language learning with the existing program in order to improve participant motivation. The theoretical motivation for adding project-based language learning is given, the procedures for integration are detailed, and the outcomes are analyzed. The findings suggest partial improvement of spoken proficiency with greatly improved motivation as compared to original program. Suggestions for educators who wish to create their own similar programs are given based on the data.
