Effects of Technology-Supported Cross-cultural Communications on Learners’ Culture and Communication Competences

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a technology-assisted intercultural exchange project on the development of foreign language and cultural competences. The participants were Taiwan and Japan university students who were scheduled to utilize online conferencing and digital platforms to communicate. Moreover, an online survey was conducted to collect data from these students. The survey results showed that the participants from both countries shared more similarities than differences. The participants, no matter the highly motivated or the less motivated ones both increased in cultural and communication competences. This study ascertains the benefits of integrating online technologies into intercultural exchange projects.