Hello, fellow linguists! You know that, as language educators, our mission extends beyond vapid vocabulary lists and gummed up grammar rules; ideally, we want to open the doors to global citizenship and cultural competence for our students. We want them to catch whatever bug we caught, so long ago, that got us hooked onto travel, cultural anthropology, and a curiosity for customs outside our own. Virtual exchanges, a system of cultural interaction in which students communicate with peers from around the world via digital platforms to complete course assignments based on a plethora of topics, offer a wealth of benefits to that end.
Here are five of the key advantages that these innovative programs provide:
1. Authentic Communication
In the real world, language is alive and ever evolving, used by real people in diverse contexts. We language teachers should know that fact intimately, as we’re constantly falling behind on colloquialisms and internet slang. It’s because of this wonderful and sometimes inscrutable vivacity of language that we are sometimes unable to give our students the most ‘real’ version of a language.
Fear not: Virtual exchanges plunge students into authentic communication scenarios, where they can use the language in real-time conversations. This direct interaction with native speakers or peers learning the same language under different circumstances fosters a genuine use of language that textbooks, or your Masters’ degree, simply can’t replicate.
Plus, you’ve got the added advantage of connecting your pupils with peers all around the world in a safe manner; kids, feeling more isolated than ever because of the challenging effects of social media and time spent alone, continue to relate to me–and I’m sure you’re hearing it too–how difficult it is to communicate with one another, to find connection, and to initiate meaningful conversation that isn’t ‘cringe,’ or ‘brain rot.’ Through virtual exchanges, you’re brokering a real opportunity for your students to employ their training, and this real and genuine experience can lead them to…
2. Enhanced Interpersonal Listening and Speaking Skills
We all know effective communication is the cornerstone of any language learning process. And you’re only one person, so even if your students are practicing with each other, they may not be getting the chance to really exercise their skills in an authentic situation that will provide enough challenge for them to grow, and enough pressure for them to really utilize their skills.
Through virtual exchanges, students hone their interpersonal listening and speaking skills. Engaging in conversations with others, either live or through asynchronous video, challenges students to understand and respond appropriately, improving their ability to process spoken language and express their thoughts clearly and effectively. And they’re all doing it at once, with native speakers!
Short of cloning yourself, and turning back the clock a generation or two, there just isn’t as effective a way of getting each one of them as perfect an opportunity to use their skills this intensely! And, while we teachers might pull our punches through our training to rephrase questions, enunciate, articulate, and slow down the pace of a conversation in the target language, we know that this can sometimes be a downer for students. “Sure,” they say, “I understand it when you speak it in class, but then I get out into the real world and…”
Well, not with a virtual exchange! The fact that they’re speaking to ‘real’ people will help them grow in their self-reliance, and thus their…
3. Confidence in Proficiency-Based Assessments
As we mentioned, by participating in virtual exchanges, students frequently practice and develop their language skills in a supportive yet challenging environment. That’s awesome in and of itself. But this regular practice not only solidifies their linguistic abilities; it also boosts their confidence when facing proficiency-based assessments.
Think about it: they become familiar with responding spontaneously and accurately, a skill that’s invaluable during oral examinations. The most challenging aspects of assessments can be the real-time-response, the hurtles of simulated conversation, and while you might be able to practice with your students on a one-on-one basis, we all know you’re only one person.
Plus, through confidence, your students will gain the drive, the bug, the motivation to really exercise their language skills. And there’s no better way to make language learning relevant to young people, so they can pursue the…
4. Pathway to the Seal of Biliteracy
Achieving the Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious accolade that recognizes students for their proficiency in two or more languages. If you don’t offer this opportunity at your institution, you should! In the ever-growing competitive nature of college admissions, accreditations like this one not only distinguish the applicant–they’re useful for future employment and just look great as an accomplishment!
Virtual exchanges provide a practical pathway to this goal by offering consistent practice and exposure to the language in a meaningful context. We all know that’s the best way to learn a language, and short of flying your students to a country where the target language is lingua franca and puppeting them through daily interactions with native speakers, this is probably the next best thing.
The rigorous use of the language in a real-world setting prepares students to meet the criteria needed for this recognition, and it might inspire a few students who never thought they could achieve such a milestone.
And of course, overall virtual exchanges will help students with their…
5. Development of 21st Century Skills
In today’s interconnected world, skills like digital literacy, global competencies, and cultural understanding are as essential as traditional academic skills. I’m not telling you anything new here: your institution has likely baked these skills into every curriculum possible, and it’s important that we educators recognize our part in the advancement of such proficiencies.
Virtual exchanges help students develop these 21st century skills by immersing them in culturally diverse environments and requiring them to navigate and communicate using digital tools. Filming, editing, visual design, skills they likely already practice in their own ‘branding’ on social media will actually help them shine and create great products for their international partners.
This exposure, through virtual exchanges, not only enhances their language abilities but also prepares them to be competent global citizens.
Conclusion
Virtual exchanges are more than just a teaching tool; they are a gateway to broader horizons. By incorporating these exchanges into your curriculum, you provide your students with invaluable opportunities to grow linguistically, culturally, and personally. Empower your students to become adept communicators and enlightened global citizens through the power of virtual exchange.
Learn more here and contact us to bring virtual exchanges to your classroom.
