Empowering Educators: Integrating Virtual Exchange for Global Competence in English Language Teaching
Yuliana Lavrysh & Iryna Simkova (Ukraine)
Abstract
In an ever-changing educational landscape, the acquisition of global skills has become imperative. It includes intellectual, socio-emotional, and ethical components, emphasizing diverse perspectives, effective communication, and ethical behavior in our interconnected world. This talk proposes integrating virtual exchange into English classes as a powerful tool for global energy development.
Virtual exchange transcends physical boundaries, providing students with a virtual platform for cross-cultural interaction. This immersive experience fosters a deeper understanding of different perspectives and hones the skills necessary for effective communication and collaboration on a global scale.
This talk aims to empower English language teachers with the skills and tools to use virtual exchange as a transformational teaching method. By integrating language learning with multicultural experiences, teachers can prepare students to excel in our interconnected world. This approach develops the skills needed to effectively communicate, make ethical decisions, and successfully navigate different cultures. The talk seeks to inspire educators, encouraging them to embrace virtual exchange as a valuable resource for shaping the next generation of globally competent individuals.
Ultimately, this program seeks to bridge the gap between language education and the requirements of our interconnected society. It ensures that students are not only proficient in English but also well-prepared to navigate the complexities of our globalized world with cultural sensitivity and effective communication skills, fostering a generation of individuals ready to thrive in the ever-changing global landscape.
Bio
Professor Yuliana Lavrysh holds a ScD in Educational Didactics, a PhD in Vocational Education, and an MA in Educational Technology and English Language Teaching. She currently serves as the Head of the Department of English Language for Engineering at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Ukraine. With over 20 years of experience as a trainer and lecturer, she underwent Virtual Exchange (VE) training and managed projects with international partners. Leading the department for over a decade, she excels in project coordination, conference organization, and academic management, showcasing expertise in research methodology, data analysis, and the practical integration of digital technologies in ELT. Her scientific interests include digital pedagogy, ELT, personalization of learning, VE methodology and management. https://kamts2.kpi.ua/en/department-management/
Professor Iryna Simkova holds a Doctor of Science (Education) and currently serves as the HoD of English Language for Humanities at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Ukraine. Her research and publications focus on the integration of digital technologies and virtual exchange methodology in the learning environment. As an expert in the field, Professor Simkova actively organizes and coordinates virtual exchange projects in collaboration with colleagues from UNCW, USA (COIL VE project), YNU, Japan (Ibunka VE project), University of Leon, Spain (European Youth Goals VE project), Aarhus University, Denmark (Data visualization VE project), among others.
Her ORCID is https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0410-5454.