Online Intercultural Exchange: An Introduction for Foreign Language Teachers

by Robert O'Dowd (Editor)

Overview

This volume provides foreign language educators and classroom researchers with an introduction to online intercultural exchange, the activity of engaging foreign language learners in collaborative project work with partners from other cultures through the use of online communication tools such as email, discussion boards and videoconferencing.

The authors use their extensive experience in both the practice and research of online exchange to present a clear overview of the pedagogical theory behind online exchange and its contribution to different aspects of foreign language learning, including communicative competence, intercultural awareness and learner autonomy. The chapters look at different ways of organising such projects, such as the Tandem and Cultura models, and also provide clear discussions on practical aspects of the area including task design, the choice of communication tools and the role of the teacher.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781847690098
Publisher:	Multilingual Matters Ltd.
Publication date:	10/15/2007
Series:	Languages for Intercultural Communication and Education Series , #15
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Robert O'Dowd is a teacher and teacher-trainer and has a Ph.D. on the development of intercultural competence through the use of networked technologies in the foreign language classroom. He teaches EFL and Foreign Language Methodology at the University of León in Spain, where he is also involved in various research projects related to online intercultural exchange. His other special interests include the role of the teacher in online education and the role of culture in foreign language education.

Table of Contents

Part One: Introduction to this Volume and its Theme 1. Introduction - Robert O'Dowd 2. Foreign Language Education and the Rise of Online Communication: A Review of Promises and Realities - Robert O'Dowd Part Two: Models of Online Intercultural Exchange 3. Models of Telecollaboration (1): E-Tandem - Breffni O'Rourke 4. Models of Telecollaboration (2): Cultura - Jesús Suárez García and James Crapotta 5. Models of Telecollaboration (3): E-Twinning - Antonia Domínguez Miguela Part Three: Issues and Questions in Online Intercultural Exchange 6. Grammar and Feedback: Turning to Language Form in Telecollaboration - Paige D. Ware and Maria Luisa Pérez Cañado 7. The Development of Intercultural Communicative Competence in Telecollaborative Partnerships - Julie A. Belz 8. Teacher Role in Telecollaboration: Setting Up and Managing Exchanges 9. How can Online Exchanges be Used with Young Learners? - Isabel Pérez and Margarita Vinaigre 10. Choosing the Appropriate Communication Tools for an Online Exchange - Melinda Dooly Part Four: Practical Accounts and Experiences of Online Exchange 11. Foreword - Robert O'Dowd 12. Integrating Tandem Learning in Higher Education - Margarita Vinagre13. The Tridem Project - Mirjam Hauck and Tim Lewis14. The Japan-Korea Culture Exchange Project - Christopher Chase and Paul Alexander15. Using the Moodle Platform in Online Exchanges - Alfred Markey 16. Voice Chats in the Intercultural Classroom: The ABC's Online Project - Eva Wilden 17. Learning to Teach Online: «Le Français en (Première) Ligne» Project - Christine Develotte, François Mangenot and Katerina Zourou18. One-to-one Desktop Videoconferencing for Developing Oral Skills: Prospects in Perspective - Lina Lee

Editorial Reviews

This edited collection is a rigorous exploration of one particular type of educational exchange, one which should help language teachers and technologists alike get the most out of language learners. Any teacher considering using "social software" to connect his or her class with others could find this book fascinating reading.

Darren Elliott

This state-of-the-art volume comprehensively covers the theory, research, and practice of online cultural exchanges. It is an important addition to the literature on technology use in the language classroom.

Mark Warschauer

Online Intercultural Exchange brings together a wealth of inspirational case studies, hard-won wisdom and sound, practical advice for teachers embarking on the adventure of using communications technology to explore language and culture. As someone who has dipped his toe in virtual learning environments and had it painfully stubbed several times, I wish this book had been available to me some time ago.

University of Glasgow John Corbett

Telecollaboration has enormous potential for foreign language education. This book shows how it can live up to its promise in mainstream teaching. Clearly a 'must read' for anybody interested in this exciting new field.

Markus Ritter