Technology Trends in Learning and Implications for Intercultural Exchange
Abstract: Today’s young adults, termed the Millennial or Net Generation, are special, sheltered, confident, team-oriented, conventional, pressured, and high achievers. They frequently communicate with peers in brief conversations online, and are active users of the Internet, especially with smart or mobile phones. This generation has embraced the recent wave of Web 2.0 application technologies that are web-based, cross platform, easy to use, and sharing oriented. This paper describes technology tools that facilitate interactive learning activities as well as intercultural exchange, especially with Japanese students as they interact with others globally. Various tools and media resources, related to communication, networking, presentation, collaboration and media production are highlighted followed by a discussion about the potential for intercultural competency and exchange.