Videoconferencing between Australian and Korean schools for Intercultural Exchanges

Abstract

This paper reports how videoconferencing sessions between Australian and Korean schools were designed and implemented in five pairs of Australian and Korean schools for intercultural exchanges. Participating schools were five from regional Australia and five from Urban Korea. To design the experience, the project team consulted those with previously reported expertise and experiences in using videoconferencing in schools. The sessions were held in Social Studies in the Australian schools, and in English classes in the Korean schools, with times and curriculum content negotiated between Australian and Korean teachers. Students gave presentations over the videoconference connections and engaged in question and answer sessions. Feedback on the videoconferencing sessions showed that 1) the students developed interest in and familiarity towards each other's culture; 2) the videoconferencing sessions increased students' attention in classes; 3) teachers had opportunities to develop their videoconferencing skills; 4) technological challenges had to be addressed especially, connection failures and poor audio and video qualities; 5) a coordinator is needed to assist teachers by communicating with them by email, telephone, and Skype. Improvements are suggested for the proposed next implementation of the project with an increased number of schools.