ICT-enhanced Intercultural Transitions: Creating a Community of Engaged, Reflective Explorers
Abstract: This paper reports on an ICT-enhanced intercultural transitions course designed for undergraduates with recent or current international experience. Drawing on mixed-method studies of education abroad learning, prompts were developed to stimulate critical reflection in face-to-face and online discussions about such issues as culture shock, intercultural friendship, and identity change. As well as writing reflective essays and engaging in class interactions, the participants posted comments and photos/video clips online as they unpacked their international experience. In this 14-week course, the online components (e.g., Moodle Forum) helped create a sense of community, fostering closer bonds between local and international students. Through the process of guided reflection, most gained a deeper understanding of their intercultural learning. This paper describes the lessons learned from three offerings of this interactive, blended course.
Presider: Supit Karnjanapun, King Mongkut's Institue of Technology Ladkrabang