CMC

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) is defined broadly as any form of human interaction across two or more networked computers (i.e., instant messages, e-mails, chat rooms). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-mediated_communication

These tools can be really helpful when learning a second language because you can have real communication with others through MSN, chats and emails. You get immediate feedback, you can learn about someone else's culture and you can talk about yours too. You can practice writing, reading and in MSN you can practice listening and speaking.

MSN is a great tool for practicing the four abilities because with it you can use webcams, microphones, headphones, you can share pictures and games so you can really communicate with someone in real context. One of my best friends met her husband online and they communicated through MSN, they shared pictures and talked with microphones.
No matter where you are you can use it if you have access to Internet, right now everyone of us is using it to communicate with their families and friends back in Chile.

One of the drawbacks that I can see is that when you are chatting with someone sometimes you have to response very fast so the writing transforms into abbreviations, usage of symbols, changing some letters into others for example C into K and the thing is that you get use to writing like that because is easier and faster.

http://www.msn.com/