Innovation in Language Learning

Virtual exchange is an educational practice that uses technology to enable sustained interactions between people from different locations and cultural backgrounds with the purpose to foster intercultural dialogue (O’Dowd, 2018; see also Belz, 2003; Warschauer, 1995). Recently, there has been a shift from an early focus on models of intercultural competence to models of civic engagement (e.g., Porto, 2021). This shift stresses the potential for learners to acquire a broader concept of community and involvement when enabled to use their language skills to interact with such community members. Current research demonstrates the potential of virtual exchange to enhance linguistic and intercultural competencies while fostering civic engagement through experiential learning connecting languages and communities (Palpacuer Lee et al., 2018). This approach further offers value for

previously underserved populations such as older adults.

In this talk, I will explore the implementation of virtual exchange for civic engagement and community outreach across a German Language Program. What started during the pandemic as an outreach effort to older German-speaking adults has become a longitudinal endeavor across the language

curriculum and shows potential for implementation at scale. I will first discuss key stakeholders (university outreach offices, instructors, community partners, students), present three distinct interactional formats (tandem partnerships, whole-group activities, and combined approaches), and

share concrete outcomes from various implementation cycles. Drawing on results from different student cohorts engaging with older adults through diverse technological platforms (e.g., Zoom, WhatsApp), I will illustrate how structured service-learning experiences can prepare students for meaningful engagement with target language speakers, promote intergenerational learning, and challenge stereotypes while addressing isolation among older adults.

 

Keywords: Virtual exchange, German, intergenerational, service-learning, civic engagement

 

REFERENCES

 

[1] Belz, J.A. (2003). From the special issue editor. Language Learning & Technology, 7(2), 2–5. http://dx.doi.org/10125/25193

[2] O’Dowd, R. (2018). From telecollaboration to virtual exchange: State-of-the-artand the role of UNICollaboration in moving forward. Journal of Virtual Exchange, 1,1–23. https://doi.org/10.14705/rpnet.2018.jve.1

[3] Porto, M. (2021). Long-term impact of four intercultural citizenship projects inthe higher education foreign language classroom, The Language Learning Journal,49(6), 648-667. 10.1080/09571736.2019.1656279

[4] Warschauer, M. (Ed.). (1995). Virtual connections: Online activities and projectsfor networking language learners. Second Language Teaching and Curriculum Center.