At the Heart of English Education Transformation: Virtual Exchange and the IVEProject

抄録

Technology continues to transform education in general, but particularly English language learning. The biggest transformation is occurring as teachers are becoming more cognizant of how Virtual Exchange (VE) can reshape the way English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is taught. VE gives a classroom full of Japanese students the ability to use the language they are studying to interact with students around the world thus ensuring they have a clear understanding of the importance of that language. At a time when intercultural competency is being rated as more important than simple English proficiency by the Japanese business federation, this digital transformation could not have come at a more opportune time. Not only does this new means of EFL education improve students’ employment prospects but it also introduces them to new and engaging ways of thinking and understanding the world in which they live.