Utilizing Online Exchanges to Enhance Experiential Learning and Intercultural Competence more

Sun, May 1, 10:30-Tue, May 31, 23:55 Asia/Seoul

As the importance of the cultural dimension in education gains traction in language learning, instructors are increasingly expected to incorporate intercultural literacy into their teaching. However, opportunities for authentic cross-cultural exchanges may be limited, and digital media is often the only exposure to different worlds, resulting in misconceptions and skewed images of other people. We, therefore, conducted a ten-week exchange between 190 Japanese and American learners to examine how communication skills, interests in other cultures, and stereotypes might be altered. The project included a demographic questionnaire, followed by a 22-question survey where perceptions and attitudes could be compared through pre-post quantitative and qualitative data. Student tasks included creating three-minute group video productions, listening to music, drawing animations, tasting foreign foods, and culminating with an interactive 90-minute webinar. The presentation concludes with a framework that can lead students to meaningful learning outcomes – collaboration, experiential learning, self-reflection, and better cross-cultural understanding.