ERIC Number: EJ1406675
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1049-4820
EISSN: EISSN-1744-5191
Creating a Virtual "Third Space" in a Telecollaborative Project to Promote English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Learners' Language Proficiency and Intercultural Awareness
Interactive Learning Environments, v31 n10 p6667-6677 2023
Underpinned by [Bhabha, H. K. (2004). The location of culture (2nd ed). Routledge.] conceptualizations of the "third space," this study is a qualitative exploration of an attempt to create an intervening telecollaborative "third space" for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in a Taiwan university. Students were engaged in language exchange with foreign language learning peers in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and critical reflection on their own cultural norms and values. Data consisted of summative and formative assessments documented in E-portfolios and reflective essays by EFL learners who participated in the telecollaboration. Findings showed that 97% of the EFL learners agreed that telecollaboration should be part of language exchange programs. Through the affordance of the "third space," EFL learners were able not only to practice the target language through interaction, but also to build their confidence by critically engaging with individuals from different linguistic and sociocultural backgrounds and expressing their thoughts and idea. The telecollaboration also enhanced EFL learners' intercultural knowledge beyond generic understandings attached to particular countries and nations. Implications for practice and suggestions for future studies are discussed.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, College Students, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Virtual Classrooms, Language Proficiency, Multicultural Education, Barriers, Technology Uses in Education, Classroom Environment, Cultural Awareness, Cross Cultural Training
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan; Australia; New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A