Overcoming prejudices with E-Pal connections
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Authors
Pauchnick, Candace
Issue Date
2007
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Educational technology
Alternative Title
Abstract
U.S. public schools often reflect the diverse nationalities of our country and may be the only place students have the opportunity to meet other peers with different ethnic backgrounds. Mixing diverse populations creates opportunities for students to develop cultural understanding and appreciation. Studies have shown that students who have high multi-cultural sensitivity get along better with other ethnic groups, have higher self-esteem, and help promote a positive atmosphere on school campuses. This quantitative study, Overcoming Prejudices with E-Pal Connections, is designed to examine student multi-cultural sensitivity before and after virtual communication with international e-pals and then compare data with students who have not had the experience of international virtual communication. The study will apply correlational research between 15 students who have e-pals and 15 students who do not have e-pals to determine if e-pal conditions and experiences have any effect on cultural sensitivity. Students’ experiences and impressions applied to a pre and post survey will help determine if an alteration of cultural sensitivity is apparent and provide further insight into the power of virtual, international communication with peers around the world.