Literature - What is videoconferencing?

The Canadian and American students videoconference during two class periods on two separate days. Since students in both countries want to practice the language that they are learning; the first day is conducted in English and the second day in French.

Here are some examples of the students getting to know each other while videoconferencing in English:

Example One
Example Two

Here are some examples of the students getting to know each other while videoconferencing in French:

Example One
Example Two
Example Three
Example Four

Prior to videoconferencing, students across the cultural divide will have practiced discussing various conflict situations like these:

The day of the first videoconference, the Quebec students ask questions so they can get to know their American friends. Then they ask questions about the New Kid Conflict. There are six questions to ask about the “New Kid” conflict; they are:

  • What is the problem?
  • Who are the bullies?
  • How do the bullies feel?
  • Who is the victim?
  • How does the victim feel?
  • What is the solution to the problem?

The American students answer all the questions in English on this first day of videoconferencing.

The second day, the American students ask the questions and practice their French. They begin their interview so to become better acquainted with their epals. Then they move onto discuss the second conflict topic. It is Cafeteria Woes. The questions that the American students ask their Canadian partners are:

  • Quel est le problème?
  • Comment s'appellent les agresseurs?
  • Comment se sentent les agresseurs?
  • Comment s'appelle la victime?
  • Comment se sent la victime?
  • Quelle est la solution au problème?