This document summarizes an experience integrating communication technologies to support language and cultural development for English language students in Colombia. Technology like Skype and a learning management system were used to connect students in Colombia with students learning Spanish in the US. Students participated in asynchronous forum discussions and synchronous chats on personal topics. They designed presentations about themselves and had video calls to interact directly. The experience motivated students and improved their language skills and cultural understanding through authentic interaction with peers abroad. Some challenges included technical issues and lack of experience with the technologies.

1. Language and Culture through Technology. The Challenge ” “ Lourdes Rey Universidad del Norte TESOL 2010 Boston

2. An Experience integrating… This report describes the experience of integrating communication technologies to support the development of language and cultural competences

3. An Experience integrating… Context: students were not motivated to attend their English classes . L2 not a priority. Needs Analysis : the computer, extra activities during their free time Decisions : language laboratory , communication technologies available, teacher development, networking.

4. An Experience integrating… Technology because … It challenges and motivates students. Interaction and negotiation of meaning: social process. Interaction with authentic audience. Authenticity of tasks.

5. An Experience integrating… Technology because … Production of varied and creative language Enough time for feedback Attention to learning process Ideal stress/anxiety level Support to learner’s Autonomy

6. An Experience integrating… Culture because … Cultural self-awareness Respect (valuing other cultures); Openness (withholding judgment); Curiosity & discovery (tolerating ambiguity) Understanding and knowledge of culture

8. Objective: P romote the use of communication technologies to support the linguistic and intercultural development of English language students at Instituto de Idiomas, Universidad del Norte GENERAL OBJECTIVE

9. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES Evaluate the use of Skype and Webct as effective tools for the development of language and intercultural competencies. Determine the level of progress in language learning after the experience. Determine the level of progress in interculural development after the experience.

10. 1. Instituto de Idiomas. Universidad del Norte. Three groups of the second level of English Language program. A1 Level of L2(CEFR). 60 students participated. 2. Richmond Senior High, Richmond, North Carolina. Three groups of Levels 1 & 2 of Spanish Language Program. A1 Level of L2 (CEFR). 60 students participated. PARTICIPANTS 1 2

11. Mi nombre es Brian Love. Soy de Rockingham I’m Maria Alejandra. I’m from Barranquilla THE EXPERIENCE The Experience Design of tasks, timeline and selection of technology to be used. 2. Development of the experience 3. Evaluation of achievement

12. THE EXPERIENCE Designing the experience Comparison of language goals, topics and students language level in both programs. 2. Virtual exchange: using the webct and skype 3. Emphasis on communication. 4. Tasks focused on culture 5. Pairing students

13. Summary of Activities Topic Tool Description My Personal Information Webct forum: asynchronic activity. In class. Talk about them, their families, city and country My Personal Information: wanting to know more Chat: synchronic activity. Peer correction and self monitoring strategies. In class Find out more about the peer student. This is me Webct forum: asynchronic activity. In class. Design a p.p presentation with pictures about them. Peers would comment on it Interacting Skype. In class Talk to each other (in Spanish and English)

14. Achievements. Motivation: students´ active participation, positive attitude Identity reinforcement: expressed their nationalistic pride. Collaboration: peer work, responsibility of their peer´s learning process. Language improvement: negotiation, use of the language for a real purpose.

15. Achievements. Teacher training: technology users Going beyond boundaries: Institutional development, participation in international projects and in academic events. Technology use: implementation of NCT in language teaching Respect and tolerance towards others Promotion of intercultural exchange

16. Constraints Availability of resources: Lack of familiarity with the tool: first time skype users. Technicalities: Quality of sound and image. [email_address]