Using Videomail (Vmail) Effectively in Online Intercultural Exchanges

Abstract

Videomail (vmail) is an asynchronous online tool available on vmail dedicated websites such as Tokbox as well as social networking sites such as Facebook. Vmail utilizes web cameras and provides language learners with opportunities to communicate in a foreign language across borders, combining the convenience of email communication with the rich visual information that video brings to the communicative experience. This paper describes an exploratory research project that took place during 2008-2009 in which Japanese university students communicated via vmail with students in Hungary, the USA, Taiwan, and Turkey. The vmail exchanges are first described, and then students' reactions to the experience are reported. Finally, suggestions are provided for designing intercultural exchanges using vmail so that benefits to students are optimized.