The online discussion was between students at CU Boulder (CU) SPAN 2150 and students at Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) taking Pragmatics during the Spring 2016 semester.
Background:In order to fully learn a language, you need interaction with the language and culture. With this project, we were trying to overcome the problem of learning another language (Spanish) in a foreign country (English speaking) in an academic setting. This project offered the students new resources to native speakers through online discussions on culture topics.
Instructors and Assistant for Project:
  • Professor Alejandro Mendez-Betancor from CU
  • Professor Vicky Ariza Pinzón from BUAP
  • ALTEC Consultant – assists with technology questions
Project:Students will be granted access to an Edmodo group starting April 1st:
  •          Week 1 (April 4-8) – Introductions
  •          Week 2 (April 11-15) – Articles and Video discussion in Spanish
  •          Week 3 (April 18-22) – Articles and Video discussion in English
  •          Week 4 (for CU students only Due April 29th) – Reflection Paper and Articles Summary Paper
Student Objectives:
  • I can discuss social justice in English with non-native English speakers (CU students) / with native English speakers (BUAP students)
  • I can discuss health topics in Spanish with non-native Spanish speakers (CU students) / with native Spanish speakers (BUAP students)
  • I can introduce myself to native speakers in their native language
Articles and VideosStudents will receive 2 articles and 2 short videos in Spanish and 2 articles in English by the final week of March for the discussion.
TO JOIN THE STUDY, PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SURVEY:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1do4RkzlwdXT9Fbd2ftpjHp6WJbtMCQBEZTcGU2fMQxU/viewform
Once you complete the survey, you will receive the link to Edmodo.
How to Use Edmodo (Teachers)Welcome to Edmodo: https://support.edmodo.com/hc/en-us/articles/205009894-Welcome-to-EdmodoHow to Use Edmodo (Students)Prior ResearchALTEC staff member Naomi Wahls has started an initial research on intercultural competency through tele collaboration. This project was a continuation of that prior research.