IMPROVING THE INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCIES OF PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS THROUGH MEDIA TEXTS IN ENGLISH

Abstract

Today’s EFL students need advanced language skills and appreciation of other cultures. Language learning technology is usually focused on language skills. Cultural understanding is rarely the main goal. Intercultural Competence The main objective of this study was to use technical mediation and a culturally oriented online learning community to develop intercultural competence using social collaboration, understanding, thinking, and appreciation. Students in South Africa and Taiwan responded to videos on cultural topics created by American college students. Qualitative data analysis includes participants ’discussions on social media, follow-up questions, and teacher-participant journals. The data presents six topics, as well as best practices in curriculum design and the author’s specific recommendations.