Enhancing Linguistic and Intercultural Competencies through the Use of Social Network Sites and Google Earth

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to explore the role of global literacy in academic settings as the effect of increasingly digital technologies is being felt across areas of teaching and learning. Digital, global democracies require global literacy skills of individuals for twenty-first century citizenship and intercultural and linguistic competencies. This chapter covers four areas of this topic: (1) the enhancement of global literacy through linguistic and intercultural competencies; (2) the use of technology to enhance intercultural and linguistic competencies in language courses; (3) the use of technology in teacher training for administrators and policymakers; and (4) instructional approaches for using technology (i.e., social networking sites, Google Earth) in the classroom. The chapter also addresses how these technologies are anticipated to change in the future to further support global awareness. Using these social media and geographical tools, students will expand global awareness in education.