EFL university students' perceptions about cross-cultural presentations via videoconferencing

Area of Science:

• Applied Linguistics
• Educational Technology
• Cross-Cultural Communication

Background:

• English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning environments often lack authentic communication opportunities.
• Videoconferencing technology offers a potential solution for bridging geographical and cultural divides in education.
• Understanding student perceptions is crucial for integrating new pedagogical tools effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Taiwanese EFL university students' perceptions of cross-cultural videoconferencing presentations.
• To identify the benefits and challenges associated with this innovative pedagogical approach.
• To gather insights for improving cross-cultural communication skills and technology integration in higher education.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study involving 19 Taiwanese EFL university students.
• Participants delivered individual 25-minute presentations on Taiwanese culture, followed by Q&A sessions.
• Data collection included post-presentation video review, Likert-scale surveys, and reflective writing.

Main Results:

• Students reported positive attitudes towards the videoconferencing activity.
• Key benefits included meaningful English practice, increased motivation, and authentic interaction.
• Common concerns involved language proficiency, presentation anxiety, and time constraints for preparation.

Conclusions:

• Cross-cultural videoconferencing presentations are a valuable tool for enhancing EFL students' communication skills and cultural awareness.
• Addressing student anxieties and providing adequate preparation time are essential for maximizing the effectiveness of such activities.
• Further research should explore diverse cultural contexts and technological implementations.