Skype and Social Neworking for USA-Japan Ttelecollaboration^[1]

Student cohort

Brief description and intended outcomes

This exchange involves the use of Social Networking and Skype.  The goal of this exchange was to prepare students for a study abroad experience by increasing language fluency, familiarity with Japanese culture and confidence in dealing with native speakers. The use of the Japanese social networking site Mixi and Mixxer, a website developed at Dickinson College specifically for language exchanges, helped overcome hurdles in setting up exchanges for the Japanese language curriculum such as the time difference (13 hours) and having beginner students writing in Japanese (difficulties using a different script, particularly with a keyboard). A partner group for the exchange was found by using the community and event function of the social networking site Mixi, and then online meetings were proposed during Group 1's class time.

Technologies used

Tasks & Phases

Group 1 students were required to prepare questions in advance of online Skype sessions using grammar and vocabulary learnt the previous week.

During exchange session students spoke for the first 20 minutes in Japanese, the second half of the class consisted of discussion in English, for which there was no set topic or grammar focus.

After each Skype session students were assigned a 'Skype report' which was a short summary posted on their blog in Mixi of the Skype session, including the answers to their questions.

Assessment

Evaluation of the Exchange

Positive

All students agreed that their speaking and listening skills improved, and a large majority of students also reported increased cultural knowledge about Japan and increased confidence and motivation to study abroad. The sessions also proved higly enjoyable for most learners.

Negative

Difficulties with Mixi predicted as registration policy changed and increasingly difficult for non-Japanese residents to register.

Extra Notes

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