Abstract:

This paper examines language students’ perspectives on learning through Virtual Exchange classes at the tertiary level. Incorporating the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) approach (McLoughlin et al., 2018; O’Dowd, 2018), this cross-institutional project was designed and implemented for students in a Japanese language class at an Australian university and those in an English language class at a Japanese university. The annual programme has been running since 2021. Participating students have worked in cross-institutional teams via teleconference technology and social media in and outside of the classroom. This Virtual Exchange learning environment was created to provide arenas for digital social engagement and collaboration. All participants work on their joint research project, and towards the shared goal of making a collaborative presentation relating to their research in the final week of the semester via video-conference link. The foci of this study are: 1) evidence of learning or personal development found in various student output; and 2) discussion of ways forward. Preliminary findings show that students perceive that they have improved both language and generic skills necessary for them to function fuller in multicultural settings. The latter skills include collaboration, communication, and team-building and were commented on more often than language skills.

Keywords:

Virtual Exchange (VE), Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), Global-minded individuals, Innovative curriculum development.