#2761

Culture & Cross-/Intercultural Literacies & Communication Research Paper (25 mins)

Utilizing Online Exchanges to Enhance Experiential Learning and Intercultural Competence

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.

  • Gordon D Carlson

    Gordon Carlson is an associate professor at Otemae University, where he teaches EFL and Global Japan Studies. His interests include teacher development, CLIL, service learning, and language retention through interactive activities.

  • Steven Hecht

    Dr Hecht is a Professor at Nova Southeastern University at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. Dr. Hecht’s primary areas of expertise are study of academic learning from a cognitive perspective and applied quantitative methods for research. Dr. Hecht serves on the editorial boards of scientific journals, such and the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology and Learning Disabilities Quarterly. Dr. Hecht has authored or co-authored over 20 research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals focusing on individual differences in reading and math skills.

  • Daniel Markarian

    Adjunct Professor Nova Southeastern University teaching undergraduate, graduate and doctoral dissertation, curriculum and research courses. W.T. Dwyer High School Social Studies Teacher teaching 12th grade Economics and Advanced Placement Government.