What is Elicitations

This chapter presents a longitudinal investigation of the use of mobile instant messaging (MIM) to develop second language skills in the foreign language classroom. A three-year investigation is presented where the author attempted to analyze the potential of the application to provide language opportunities and foster interaction in the target language. WhatsApp application is used as a virtual platform where its multimodal characteristics are exploited in order to expand students' in-class time. Thus, one text-based and two voice-based WhatsApp groups are analyzed trough an experimental design with control and experimental groups. Statistical analysis as well as a systematic tracking of the messages sent throughout the interaction were implemented to observe any potential language benefit in the participants. Results indicated that students experienced an improvement in terms of accuracy as well as different speaking skills; nevertheless, task design was found to be fundamental to encourage participation and interaction.