Utilizing Telecollaboration in Foreign Language Learning

In the contemporary globalized world, where diverse cultures are interconnected, language learners now have the opportunity to engage with peers from different regions synchronously or asynchronously. Telecollaboration serves as an effective method of employing online communication tools for language education. This research aims to provide valuable insights into the experiences and perceptions of intercultural learning among tertiary-level students. The study employed the use of video blogs (vlogs) shared on the asynchronous Flipgrid video discussion platform, as well as synchronous videoconferencing on the VooV Meeting platform, as telecollaboration tools. The participants consisted of 21 Turkish preparatory class students and 29 Chinese sophomore students studying English. The Turkish students participated voluntarily in the language exchange program, which involved reflecting on their cultural values and engaging in comparisons to foster a mutual understanding of different cultures. Reflection journals, transcripts of Flipgrid discussions, face-to-face semi-instructed interviews, audio recordings of videoconferencing sessions were utilized to gather data for this qualitative study. The findings of this study indicated that the telecollaboration project had a positive impact on the participants' intercultural communicative competence (ICC), motivation, and development of 21st-century skills.