The autobiography of intercultural encounters through visual media: Exploring images of others in telecollaboration | Culture and communication in digital worlds

Author(s): Rachel Lindner, Maria del Carmen Méndez Garcia

Year of publication: 2014

Keywords: Intercultural competence, Visual literacy, Telecollaboration, AIEVM (Autobiography of Intercultural Encounters through Visual Media), Critical awareness

Methodology/Sample: Qualitative (various data collection methods)/23 students

Reference: Lindner, R., & Méndez Garcia, M. D. C. (2014). The Autobiography of Intercultural Encounters through Visual Media: exploring images of others in telecollaboration. Language, Culture and Curriculum, 27(3), 226-243. https://doi.org/10.1080/07908318.2014.977910

Abstract

Positioned against the background of the Council of Europe’s interest in developing intercultural competence through education, the study presented in this paper investigates the impact on intercultural visual literacy of the Council of Europe’s Images of Others – An Autobiography of Intercultural Encounters through Visual Media (AIEVM). In our study, the AIEVM was used within the context of an online intercultural exchange between pre-service language teachers. Findings indicate increased intercultural awareness as students at universities in Germany and Spain engaged with the visually ‘mediated other’ through working systematically with the AIEVM. Multiperspectivity and critical cultural awareness in particular were shown to be enhanced through discussing ‘images of others’ in culturally diverse tandem teams.

> Summary

The paper investigates the AIEVM’s impact on intercultural visual literacy among pre-service language teachers in Germany and Spain.
Findings indicate increased intercultural awareness through systematic engagement with visually mediated encounters.
The study highlights the importance of multiperspectivity and critical cultural awareness in culturally diverse teams.
The AIEVM serves as a pivotal tool for promoting intercultural learning in language education.

> Problem statement

The study investigates the impact of the AIEVM on intercultural visual literacy in education settings.
It highlights the need for formal evaluation of such educational tools.
Challenges in telecollaboration, such as time management and communication breakdowns, are noted.
The paper addresses the limitations of the AIEVM’s effectiveness in fostering intercultural competence.

> Methods used

The study utilized the AIEVM as an educational tool for critical engagement with visual media.
A two-week telecollaborative exchange was conducted between students from Jaén and Dortmund Universities.
Participants engaged in structured reflection on images depicting cultural others.
The research focused on enhancing intercultural awareness through discussions in culturally diverse teams.
Data was collected through post-exchange surveys and student comments.

> Practical implications

The AIEVM promotes intercultural learning within language education, enhancing visual literacy and critical thinking about cultural representations.
Participants reported increased motivation and engagement through structured reflection and discussions about visual media.
The framework encourages pre-service teachers to introspect on their cultural perceptions and the implications of visual media.
The study highlights the importance of integrating intercultural education in teacher training programs.
The findings suggest that the AIEVM can effectively facilitate dialogue and cooperation among learners.
Overall, the research indicates that systematic engagement with visual media can enhance intercultural competence.