Learning Outcomes through Communication with Media : A Case Study of Email Exchange Learning with Overseas Volunteers(<Special Issue>Classroom Instruction and Media)

Abstract

This study investigates a case in which high school students communicate with Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in activities conducted through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) using Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The students sent e-mail, every two weeks over a period of a year, to volunteers in Japanese so that the students may understand better compared to writing in English. The objective of this study was to clarify learning outcomes which through data analysis were found to be a better understanding of global issues and changes in their attitudes regarding further interests in foreign cultures, foreign languages, and intercultural studies. In addition, this attitude change lasts even after they graduate which was found through follow-up surveys. On the other hand, the students did not recall knowledge well which they learned in this activity.