Abstract
This dissertation examines the possible benefits of online interaction for beginner/intermediate adult learners of te reo Māori (the Māori language), and the implications of online interaction. The research centres round a five week project in which eight adult learners of te reo Māori interacted on Facebook and Skype, with weekly topics and support and guidance provided by the researcher/facilitator. The project clearly showed benefits, including the opportunity for practice in te reo Māori, enjoyment of interaction (particularly on Facebook), linguistic extension through interaction, and provision of a community for isolated learners. Most participants who took part in Skype calls enjoyed them, though it was evident that some Skype calls would have benefited from being more structured and time limited. Some participants also found Skype calls, or the prospect of them, stressful. Findings from the project suggest that linguistic and technical support, along with good moderation and careful grouping of participants, could add significantly to benefits of online interaction, and that the interaction among the participants suggests improvements that could be made in online interaction, and for teaching the Māori language to adult students.