Conversations with native speakers present the second‐language learner with an incredible opportunity to practice and acquire a language. By using software programs such as Skype, students can improve their language proficiency as well as have access to a new cultural experience beyond the borders of the classroom. This can be seen as the closest way to give the students a travel abroad experience using the advantages of technology. - Presented by Maria del Pilar Melgarejo-Acosta, Department of Spanish & Portuguese, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

1. Intercambio Virtual : Using Skype in language conversation classes

9. % of students Control Group Students in regular classroom (no language exchange lab sessions) Experimental Group Students participating in language exchange lab sessions level increase 33% 62% no level change 50% 38% level decrease 17% 0%