Edmodo as a Tool for the Global Connection between Japanese and American College Students in Language Learning

N

10

Second Language Learning; Second Language Instruction; Asians; North Americans; Feedback (Response); Intercultural Communication; Questionnaires; Student Attitudes; Qualitative Research; College Students; English (Second Language); Social Networks; Computer Mediated Communication; Language Teachers; College Faculty; Teacher Collaboration; Positive Attitudes; Foreign Countries; Advanced Courses

This study investigated how English learners at a university in Japan perceive connections with students in the US through an educational social network platform, called Edmodo. The instructor of English at the Japanese university cooperated with a Japanese language instructor at an American university and they incorporated Edmodo into their language classes. In the project activity, 62 Japanese and 52 American college students were paired or grouped in threes and interacted with each other on Edmodo. Both of the students answered a feedback questionnaire at the end of the project. The study focused on Japanese students and their feedback on the Edmodo project was analyzed qualitatively. The findings indicated that almost all Japanese students positively perceived the connection with American students, and they recognized that the authentic communication was fun, valuable and an interesting experience. The connection, moreover, enabled Japanese students to identify differences in college and daily life between the two countries. However, the findings also suggest that more frequent interactions involving a number of different students be considered for further implementation of using Edmodo for involvement of the global community.

As Provided

8

2017

ED573434