Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Modern Research in Education, Teaching and Learning
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Maximizing Flipgrid for Language Exchange: Elevating Communication, Cultural Insight, and Presentation Skills
Minako Yogi
ABSTRACT:
Educators are increasingly turning to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to address the challenge of immersing students in target languages and cultures. Flipgrid, a video discussion tool, is gaining traction in facilitating E-Tandem collaborative language exchange among diverse student populations. This research investigates the integration of Flipgrid in an exchange program connecting an undergraduate Japanese language class in the US with an English teacher training class in Japan. The study aims to leverage Flipgrid’s capabilities to enhance students’ communicative skills, cultural sensitivity, collaborative learning experiences, and presentation skills. Notably, Flipgrid’s asynchronous characteristic allows participants to engage in language practice at their own pace, reducing anxiety. Video interactions provide a context for exploring cultural nuances and communication norms, fostering authentic exchanges. Qualitative data collection methods, including surveys and interviews with twenty-two participants, offer insights into student perceptions of Flipgrid implementation. Participant feedback underscores positive outcomes such as improved communicative competence, cultural awareness, and presentation skills. Despite identified areas for improvement in platform functionality and task organization, Flipgrid emerges as a valuable tool for promoting cross-cultural understanding and fostering communicative competence among language learners. In conclusion, this research highlights Flipgrid’s potential as a versatile platform for facilitating E-Tandem language exchange and collaborative learning experiences. By leveraging its features to enhance presentation skills and cultural awareness, educators can enhance language learning outcomes in diverse educational settings. Continued refinement and adaptation of Flipgrid hold promise for advancing language education in an increasingly interconnected world.
keywords: Asynchronous exchange; Collaborative learning; E-Tandem; ICT integration; Language education