Enhancing Intercultural Communicative Competence in EFL Classrooms through Digital Tools. A Focus on Powtoon

This paper delves into the integration of digital tools in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms to bolster Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) among students. Beginning with an overview of ICC in language education, as conceptualized by Michael Byram, the paper navigates through the normalization of digital devices in language teaching and the associated benefits and challenges. Two distinct approaches to utilizing online technologies in EFL lessons are discussed, emphasizing the concept of mediation. The focal point is on Powtoon, an online tool capable of enhancing ICC through various multimedia applications such as video creation, infographic reading, and access to current affairs content via blogs, webinars, and podcasts. Through this exploration, the paper underscores the importance of integrating meaningful intercultural input into language instruction, particularly in an era marked by globalization and digitalization.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. Introduction.
• 2. Main Part..
  • 2.1 The Concept of Intercultural Communicative Competence.....
  • 2.2 Digital Tools in the EFL Classroom
  • 2.3 Analysis of Powtoon in terms of Intercultural Communicative Competence.……………………..
• 3. Conclusion........
• 4. Bibliography....

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

The research paper aims to explore the use of digital tools in the EFL classroom to support intercultural communicative competence (ICC). It analyzes how digital tools can enhance students' ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in intercultural encounters, fostering critical understanding of both their own and other societies.

• The concept of ICC and its components
• The role of digital tools in EFL education
• The advantages and disadvantages of digital tools in the EFL classroom
• The use of online tools like Powtoon for enhancing ICC
• The importance of integrating digital tools into the EFL classroom to support ICC

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1: Introduction. This chapter sets the context by discussing the rapid progress of the internet and digital tools in daily life and their implications for EFL education. It highlights the potential benefits of digital tools, including greater learner autonomy and authentic language material, while also addressing challenges such as accessibility and costs.
• Chapter 2.1: The Concept of Intercultural Communicative Competence. This chapter defines ICC and explores its significance in EFL education. It highlights the importance of moving beyond traditional grammatical instruction to focus on real-world communication, fostering critical cultural awareness, and developing skills to navigate intercultural interactions.
• Chapter 2.2: Digital Tools in the EFL Classroom. This chapter discusses the process of integrating digital tools into language teaching, emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of using technology in the classroom. It outlines different ways digital tools can be utilized in EFL lessons, highlighting the concept of mediation.
• Chapter 2.3: Analysis of Powtoon in terms of Intercultural Communicative Competence. This chapter examines the online tool Powtoon, analyzing its potential for supporting ICC in the language classroom. It explores how Powtoon can be used to create videos, access infographics and e-books, and engage with current issues through blogs, webinars, and podcasts.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords of this research paper include intercultural communicative competence, digital tools, EFL classroom, Powtoon, online learning, language acquisition, cultural awareness, critical thinking, authentic materials, and intercultural communication. These terms encapsulate the central focus on exploring how digital tools can support intercultural communication and learning in the context of EFL education.

Details

• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Anonym (Author)
• Publication Year: 2020
• Pages: 13
• Catalog Number: V1453715
• ISBN (eBook): 9783389007556
• ISBN (Book): 9783389007563
• Language: English
• Tags: digital tools EFL intercultural communicative competence