Article
Hands Across the Pond: Transatlantic Collaboration Through a Mobile Phone App
Journal of Interactive Learning Research
(2017)
Abstract
Preservice teachers need opportunities to understand the special needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) before they begin to teach them, yet frequently their exposure is limited to a journal article or college lecture. This collective case study aimed to explore the experiences of 17 American, native English-speaking preservice teachers as they collaborated with 28 middle-grades ELLs in Madrid, Spain, on a video remix through a mobile phone app. The participants communicated exclusively through the free messaging app, WhatsApp, to build relationships and generate ideas for a digital composition on the themes of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” short story. Data analysis revealed that participants experienced enhanced cultural understandings and connections, as well as favorable views on the use of digital composition as a means to engage English Language Learners (ELLs). Data also indicated that the app was an essential component in collaboration and relationship-building. The findings have implications for international collaboration and applications for preservice teachers and teacher educators working with ELLs.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2017
Citation Information
Clarice Moran. "Hands Across the Pond: Transatlantic Collaboration Through a Mobile Phone App" Journal of Interactive Learning Research Vol. 28 Iss. 4 (2017) p. 417 - 437 ISSN: 1093-023X Available at: http://works.bepress.com/clarice-moran/8/