Engaging with peers, mentors and native speakers as language learning partners in an online environment

Opportunities to interact in the target language have a major impact on language learning and motivation. This paper is based on an empirical research conducted at an Australian university. It identifies factors that encourage learners of peers, mentors and native speakers. It then highlights the benefits of providing opportunities to engage with multiple partners in which attitudes and preferences, which fluctuates over time. This progressive approach takes the form of encouraging students to contribute to a shared knowledge and improve their productions, it enables them to experience comfort and authenticity, and ultimately, to prepare for real-life situations.