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Virtual Exchange to Develop Cultural, Language, and Digital Competencies

Author

Listed:
  • Said Machwate

    (Trans ERIE, Faculté des Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco)

  • Rachid Bendaoud

    (Trans ERIE, Faculté des Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco)

  • Juergen Henze

    (Department of Education Studies, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany)

  • Khalid Berrada

    (Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10000, Morocco)

  • Daniel Burgos

    (Research Institute for Innovation & Technology in Education (UNIR iTED), Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), 26006 Logroño, Spain)

Abstract

Many researchers have underlined the benefits of student mobility in strengthening their communication skills. Studying a foreign language and fostering knowledge about behavioural attitudes are the most common research cases. One of the major issues of mobility, by its very nature, is that it implies significant travel and accommodation costs. Virtual mobility, or Virtual Exchange (VE), can be introduced as a proactive alternative solution. This work presents an evaluation of a telecollaborative online course model organised as a VE between German and Moroccan universities. It was established to explore the benefits of integrating a VE experience by practicing some 21st-century knowledge elements as tools for the development of intercultural, language, and digital competencies from the perspective of mobility. In this paper, we present a VE model and its design, structure, and progress. Then, we evaluate this first experience to overcome some challenges that similar future experiences could face. We analyse the tools proposed in this design, the interactions between the different actors, and their feedback. The evaluative study shows the acquisition of awareness of cultural differences and the improvement of language skills through practice in addition to the development of some digital skills.

Suggested Citation

  • Said Machwate & Rachid Bendaoud & Juergen Henze & Khalid Berrada & Daniel Burgos, 2021. "Virtual Exchange to Develop Cultural, Language, and Digital Competencies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:11:p:5926-:d:561348
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luis Cabedo & Marta Royo & Lidón Moliner & Teresa Guraya, 2018. "University Social Responsibility towards Engineering Undergraduates: The Effect of Methodology on a Service-Learning Experience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-17, June.
    2. James Ayers, 2020. "Competence Literate but Context Lacking? Investigating the Potential of Study Abroad Programs to Promote Sustainability Competence Acquisition in Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-18, July.
    3. Stefano Kluzer & Laia Pujol Priego, 2018. "DigComp into action: Get inspired, make it happen. A user guide to the European Digital Competence Framework," JRC Research Reports JRC110624, Joint Research Centre.
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    1. Sergi, Bruno S. & Ključnikov, Aleksandr & Popkova, Elena G. & Bogoviz, Aleksei V. & Lobova, Svetlana V., 2022. "Creative abilities and digital competencies to transitioning to Business 4.0," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 401-411.

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