Developing international mindedness through online collaborative learning: a case study of an web-based bilingual student magazine

Abstract

This breakout session presents a case study of an online Chinese-English bilingual magazine as a hub of collaborative learning for developing students’ literacy skills and international mindedness. The interactive learning platform, Cross-Cultural Learners’ Magazine (CCLM), was launched in 2013 for showcasing written and multimedia works by adolescent CSL learners in Chinese and English while encouraging peer dialogue on youth life and cultural diversity. The authors will revisit the concept, rationale, design and functioning of this platform as a rich resource of authentic language materials and cross-cultural insights. The presentation will also cover how the online magazine may help enhance international mindedness as defined by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), i.e., multilingualism and global engagement, with reference to CCLM’s application of various Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and social learning theories by providing students with peer-written comprehensible input and promoting intercultural understanding through web publishing and social media.