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Technology for Cultural Integration Opportunity of SNHU Domestic &

International Students

Presentation at the EV Fair ClassicsCALL Interest Section Special EventsThe 44th Annual Convention TESOL 2010March 24-27Boston, MA

Presenter: Lyra RiabovAssociate ProfessorSouthern New Hampshire University

Culture Integration

Promote the mission of Southern New Hampshire University

Encourage student cohesion Foster intercultural sensitivity Develop cultural awareness Benefit from the value of having international

students on campus Enrich educational experience for domestic students

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Project

School of Education and the Institute for Language Education have been combining classes

This project can lead to beneficial culture and language enrichment both by domestic and international students.

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Models

Model One: Undergraduate Day students and International students meet during one class period

Goals: To make connections between Undergraduate Day

students and international students through discovering similarities and differences

To learn about the cultures and daily experiences both the international and domestic students – at home and here at SNHU

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Models

Model Two: The same students are combined for a total of two classes during an

eight week period. The second class is devoted to mini presentations using PowerPoint

slides. These are “small talks” using three or four slides to capture the results of the experience. The PowerPoint presentations can be done jointly or separately by Undergrad Day and International students

The oral presentation includes verbal explanation and reflection of what students learned about culture and specifically about one another. In addition, domestic students write reflection papers

International students engage in a Blackboard Discussion Board forum and deliver project presentations assigned at the start of the activities using PowerPoint

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Models

Model Three Model 3 expands on Model 2 by adding a class in between the initial

interview and presentation day. Classes meet in order to share traditions and cultural favorites. It is a more conducive setting for mingling. Since it was October American students brought pumpkins to carve

and other fall related activities. The International Students brought traditional dress from their

countries, as well as items highlighting cultural and historical information, visuals and music from their home country.

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Winners

The above models offer an opportunity for the domestic students to have a first hand experience of learning world cultures

and ESL students to learn about American culture, practice English and make friends with American students.

This project also helps domestic and international students to broaden their world cultural experience by using an abundant resource right on campus.

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The Role of Technology

Combined classes are project – based and involve students’ active research, interviews and use of technology: the Internet, e-mail, MS Word, the Blackboard Discussion Forum, creation of podcasts in iTunes,PowerPoint, video and audio recording using Audacity, and photo camera and Google Earth

The results and feedback from both groups of students are impressive.

See the website for the American and international students’ project assignments, the PowerPoint slides of their presentations, as well as their videos, pictures, and podcasts

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Resources for Learning

Web-based Culture Resources Integrating campus resources Project-based Resources ESL Students' Podcasts in iTunes ;  

EDU 235 Podcasts in iTunes