Enhancing Intercultural Communicative Competence in EFL Classrooms through Digital Tools. A Focus on Powtoon

Seminar paper from the year 2020 in the subject Didactics for the subject English - Miscellaneous, grade: 1,7, , language: English, abstract: This paper delves into the integration of digital tools in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms to bolster Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) among students. Beginning with an overview of ICC in language education, as conceptualized by Michael Byram, the paper navigates through the normalization of digital devices in language teaching and the associated benefits and challenges. Two distinct approaches to utilizing online technologies in EFL lessons are discussed, emphasizing the concept of mediation. The focal point is on Powtoon, an online tool capable of enhancing ICC through various multimedia applications such as video creation, infographic reading, and access to current affairs content via blogs, webinars, and podcasts. Through this exploration, the paper underscores the importance of integrating meaningful intercultural input into language instruction, particularly in an era marked by globalization and digitalization.