Educational Technology & Society (Oct 2024)

Design and practise of Wechat mini program-based cross-cultural learning activities

  • Xiangping Cui,
  • Hanqi Zhang,
  • Jun Shen,
  • Susan Zhang,
  • David Stein,
  • Geng Sun,
  • Zihao Zhang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.30191/ETS.202410_27(4).SP11
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 27, no. 4
pp. 390 – 405

Abstract

Read online

With the in-depth development of economic globalization and the increasingly close ties between countries in the world, how to train international talents has become an important topic. Cross-cultural learning is conducive to broadening the horizons of learners and cultivating international talents. An effective network support environment and the design of cross-cultural learning activities are the keys to the success of cross-cultural learning. As an emerging network software with rich functions, simple development and convenient use, the WeChat Mini Program (WMP) can serve as a network support platform for cross-cultural learning activities. This study developed a cross-cultural learning platform based on the WeChat mini program. Under the guidance of activity theory, this study builds a WMP-based design model of cross-cultural learning activities, including the components of learners, resources, cross-cultural learning community, WMP, rules, role division and activity process. Under the guidance of this model, we designed, implemented and evaluated WMP-based cross-cultural learning activities for Chinese students and international students at Lanzhou University. The research results show that the cross-cultural learning activities designed and implemented under the guidance of the model have a positive impact on learners’ knowledge, abilities and literacies. It is expected that this study will enrich the platform of cross-cultural learning and provide a reference for the design of cross-cultural activities.

Keywords