Facilitating Preservice Teachers' Cross-Cultural Online Collaborative Learning Using a Modified ABCs Model

• In Event: Exploring the Impact of Online Learning, Collaboration, and Simulation in Teacher Education

Abstract

In a 6-week long cross-cultural online collaborative learning project for pre-service teachers, the ABC's model (Schmidt, 1998) was modified for structuring learning tasks. Pre-service teachers’ perceptions and learning experiences through a pre- and post-survey and reflections were analyzed in this case study. Results indicated that participants reported an overall positive learning experience of the project. Through the project, they significantly increased their confidence level of using technologies for collaborative learning and somewhat increased cultural sensitivity. They reported various learning gains in the areas of technology integration and knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for working with people from a different cultural background. Participants also reported an increased awareness of their own cultural identity through the project.

Authors

• Ying W. Shen, University of Northwestern - St. Paul

• Lisa Deng, Hong Kong Baptist University

• Jackie Chan, Hong Kong Baptist University