MARIE-NOËLLE LAMY is Professor of Distance Language Learning at the Open University, UK. She designed and delivered the university's first suite of language courses. Her research has focused on technology-mediated interactive learning of languages, and encompasses analysis of learner conversations, learner use of multimodality, e-literacies and the development of learning cultures in online groups.
REGINE HAMPEL is Senior Lecturer in Modern Languages at the Open University, UK. She was instrumental in designing the university's first courses with online tutorials. Her research explores theoretical and practical issues around the use of new technologies in language learning and teaching, focusing in particular on multimodal environments, task design, tutor training, learner interaction, mediation and new literacies.

General Editors' Preface Acknowledgements Introduction PART 1: KEY CONCEPTS AND ISSUES Historical Background Learning Theories Mediation, Multimodality and Multiliteracies Lines of Enquiry into CMCL Teaching Online Learner Experience Assessment of CMCL PART 2: RESEARCH AND PRACTICE Asynchronous Fora Synchronous Chat Multiple Object-oriented Environments Audiographic Environments and Virtual Worlds Videoconferencing Emerging Technologies PART 3: PRACTITIONER RESEARCH An Overview of Practitioner Research A Practical Guide to CMCL Practitioner Research Data in Practitioner Research Some Possible Practitioner Research Projects PART 4: RESOURCES Resources Bibliography Index

This offers a framework for thinking about technologies that allow online communication, for example, forums, chats, real-time platforms as well as virtual worlds and mobile devices, and the practical issues of using them. The authors offer a thorough appraisal of the potential benefits and challenges of learning and teaching a language online.