Paper short abstract:

This paper describes how technology-supported cross-cultural exchange helps students maintain their language learning motivation. Student satisfaction of face-to-face exchanges conducted in 2017 and 2018 versus online exchanges with similar content in 2021 is analyzed and discussed.

Paper long abstract:

In 2017 and 2018, one of the authors conducted cross-cultural exchanges with international learners of Japanese (ILJ) and Japanese learners of English (JLE) at university level. During these face-to-face exchanges, the focus was on the use of two languages between two groups to achieve a goal, regardless of fluency. The goals were set differently for each group. The advanced level JLE had to prepare a term paper based on interviews with their international partners. The beginner level ILJ had to prepare a Japanese skit presentation with supervision from JLE. To provide a stress-free environment during the exchanges, the participants were free to choose their language of communication. This made English and Japanese both source and target language, and both aim and tool. Based on survey results, the face-to-face projects rendered positive outcomes such as a raised awareness regarding cultural differences in expressing opinions, and augmented motivation towards language learning, improvement of communication skills, learning together, etc.

In the spring of 2021, a similar project will be carried out online. After two semesters of online classes during which no exchange projects were implemented, the authors feel that, even with the limitations that come with online learning, students will benefit from meeting language learners that are speakers of their target language, this in order to help students find a “real” connection with the language they are learning, and at the same time experience the cross-cultural settings of the languages. Unlike the face-to-face projects where all participants were university students, the online project will bring together university ILJ and senior high school JLE belonging to an International Baccalaureate program.

Expected findings are that 1) participants embrace the available technology to meet partners online, 2) participants value the bond and learning experience that can be made online with cross-cultural partners, and 3) motivation is more readily maintained through face-to-face contact. Survey results of the face-to-face projects and the online project will be discussed and compared in detail during the presentation.