Abstract:

Technology plays a vital role in the lives of Generation Z. This paper presents a research project that aimed to engage university students outside of class to learn about leadership, technology, diversity, languages, and cultures through a YouTube series called iLanguage Talk. With an iPad and microphone, provided by a university Intentional Learning Grant, students successfully recorded a season of videos to engage and inform audiences on the web on a variety of diverse topics related to language and culture. The season added to a previously established series that was initiated by the researcher. Students completed a survey at the end of the experience and the results were analyzed to gauge the success of the project. This study found a positive correlation between using technology and fostering leadership roles, 100% indicated that the experience was enjoyable, and 100% of participants thought that this project helped them to become a better leader. Additionally, the videos were posted to a departmental Facebook group to reach students, faculty, and supporters of world languages at the university.

The results from this project are significant to universities who have an interest in promoting language learning, diversity, student leadership, and technology. The project serves as an example of how students can be engaged in learning and leadership roles outside of class, while supplementing course and program content. The researcher also found that while there is a growing interest in student engagement through social media, there are only a limited amount of studies because of constant changes in technology.

Keywords:

iLanguage Talk, leadership, technology, language learning, student leadership, university, diversity.