Technology for Cultural Integration Opportunity of SNHU Domestic & International Students

1. Technology for Cultural Integration Opportunity of SNHU Domestic &International Students Presentation at the EV FairCALL Interest Section Special EventsThe 43rd Annual Convention TESOL 2009March 25-28Denver, Colorado Presenter: Lyra RiabovAssociate ProfessorSouthern New Hampshire University

2. Culture Integration • Promote the mission of Southern New Hampshire University • Encourage student cohesion • Foster intercultural sensitivity • Develop cultural awareness • Benefit from the value of having international students on campus • Enrich educational experience for domestic students

3. Project • School of Education and the Institute for Language Education have been combining classes • This project can lead to beneficial culture and language enrichment both by domestic and international students.

4. Models Model One: Undergraduate Day students and International students meet during one class period Goals: • To make connections between Undergraduate Day students and international students through discovering similarities and differences • To learn about the cultures and daily experiences both the international and domestic students – at home and here at SNHU

5. Models Model Two: • The same students are combined for a total of two classes during an eight week period. • The second class is devoted to mini presentations using PowerPoint slides. These are “small talks” using three or four slides to capture the results of the experience. The PowerPoint presentations can be done jointly or separately by Undergrad Day and International students • The oral presentation includes verbal explanation and reflection of what students learned about culture and specifically about one another. In addition, domestic students write reflection papers • International students engage in a Blackboard Discussion Board forum and deliver project presentations assigned at the start of the activities using PowerPoint

6. Models Model Three • Model 3 expands on Model 2 by adding a class in between the initial interview and presentation day. • Classes meet in order to share traditions and cultural favorites. • It is a more conducive setting for mingling. • Since it was October American students brought pumpkins to carve and other fall related activities. • The International Students brought traditional dress from their countries, as well as items highlighting cultural and historical information, visuals and music from their home country.

7. Winners • The above models offer an opportunity for the domestic students to have a first hand experience of learning world cultures • and ESL students to learn about American culture, practice English and make friends with American students. • This project also helps domestic and international students to broaden their world cultural experience by using an abundant resource right on campus.

8. The Role of Technology • Combined classes are project – based and involve students’ active research, interviews and use of technology: the Internet, e-mail, MS Word, the Blackboard Discussion Forum, PowerPoint, video and audio recording, and photo camera • The results and feedback from both groups of students are impressive. • See the websitefor the American and international students’ project assignments, the PowerPoint slides of their presentations, as well as their videos and pictures

9. Resources for Learning • Web-based Culture Resources • Integrating campus resources • Cultural Integration Models • Project-based Resources