Virtual Exchange refers to the numerous initiatives and methodologies which engage learners in sustained online collaborative learning and interaction with partners from different cultural backgrounds as part of their study programs and under the guidance of teachers or trained facilitators. This book reports on a large-scale European project, VALIANT (Virtual Innovation and Support Networks for Teachers), which explored how Virtual Exchange can be applied to bring togethaer students of Initial Teacher Education with in-service teachers. The book also examines how participation in these Virtual Exchange initiatives impacted on aspects of teachers' and student teachers' professional development, their motivation levels, sense of professional isolation as well as on their intercultural, digital and other soft skills.

About the Author
Robert O'Dowd is full professor for English Studies at the Universidad de Leon, Spain. He has taught at universities in Ireland, Germany and Spain and has published extensively on the application of Virtual Exchange in higher education. He was recently listed in Stanford University's 'Ranking of the World Scientists: Worlds Top 2% Scientists'.
Margarita Vinagre is full professor of Applied Linguistics at the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain. She has published widely on the integration of Virtual Exchange for competence development in higher education.


Book Information
ISBN 9783034347525
Author Melinda Ann Dooly
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Peter Lang AG, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften
Publisher Peter Lang AG, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften
Weight(grams) 356g