Rechercher
Me connecter

Créer un échange interculturel digital

Le toolkit (boîte à outils)

Le toolkit est la dernière production du projet Connexion·s, il vise à fournir une vue d’ensemble des avantages et des contraintes liés à l’utilisation de la technologie numérique pour vivre des interactions interculturelles en ligne, tout en offrant des recommandations pratiques pour s’engager dans des activités civiques par le biais de plateformes en ligne.  Il donne les clés aux jeunes pour s’approprier et créer leur propre événement interculturel en ligne. En se basant principalement sur l’Activité 4 du projet Connexion·s (un week-end hybride physique/en ligne), nous tirons ici des conclusions et proposons des idées d’animations concrètes en fonction des différents besoins. Pour créer votre propre échange interculturel hybride, consultez le toolkit !

Découvrir la boite à outils
Table des matières

The objectives of this toolkit

This Toolkit is the final production of the Connexion·s project, an initiative created in 2022, in a post-covid context. It has been co-constructed by 4 associations working in different countries: Tunisian Forum for Youth empowerment in Tunisia, Eclosio in Belgium, Coalition of youth organizations SEGA in Northern Macedonia and Engagé-e-s & Déterminé-e-s (project leader) in France. 

As part of the Erasmus+KA2 (Cooperation Partnership) programme, it is intended to be also a co-construction with young people in order to imagine responsible and inclusive digital alternatives to today’s intercultural experiences.

It also aims to strengthen young people’s civic commitment and participation in democratic life by using digital technology as a tool to promote intercultural experience and inclusive digital use. 

This tool kit aims to provides an overview of the advantages and drawbacks associated with using digital technology for experiencing intercultural interactions online, while also offering practical recommendations to be more engaged in civic activities through online platforms. It underlines also the importance of intercultural experiences for the civic engagement journeys of the youth.

Know more about the Connexion·s project here

Greetings

All the partners would like to express their gratitude to all those who have contributed to the Connexion·s project. Your implication and support have been very precious in every step of these two years of commitment. 

Our warmest thanks go to Erasmus+ and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for their financial support and trust. Without their help, this project would not have been possible.

We would also like to thanks the partners that have actively collaborated all through this project with ECLOSIO in Belgium, Tunisian Forum for Youth Empowerment (TFYE) in Tunisia, Coalition of youth organizations SEGA in Northern Macedonia and the Engagé-e-s & Déterminé-e-s (E&D) team in France. 

We are also extremely grateful to the youth that participated and have enabled this project to have a real impact and meaning. By working together, they contributed to the discussions and the content of the final production. It gave valuable perspective. 

Finally, we would like to thank all the people and organizations mentioned that have been involved at some point in Connexion.s.Your commitment and efforts are a source of inspiration and motivation for us all.

Thank you all for your valuable support and for making this project possible.

It’s your turn to build up an intercultural encounter online with this toolkit, using the following path !

Interculturality and civic engagement of young people in the digital age

Get to know more on the importance of intercultural experience for young people's civic engagement pathways

Intercultural experiences create a climate of mutual respect by embracing and valuing the diverse cultural backgrounds of each individual. Culture is not static; it is dynamic and continually reshaped by economic, political, and social contexts, as well as by our interactions with others. Engaging with people from different cultures provides opportunities for both personal and collective evolution, as we share and learn from each other’s ideas, traditions, values, and perspectives.

These intercultural exchanges have the potential to foster mutual understanding and build a shared world. For instance, discussions between individuals from different cultural backgrounds can lead to greater empathy and cooperation, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings, aggression, or even violence. The goal is to create an environment where every cultural perspective is respected and valued.

Such intercultural experiences can occur on various scales. Locally, you might meet people from different countries in your own neighborhood or city, while globally, traveling to other countries or continents provides more immersive experiences. For example, studying abroad or participating in international work exchanges often offers rich intercultural encounters that can be transformative. However, it’s widely recognized that travel can significantly enhance these experiences by allowing deeper cultural immersion.

Our study indicates that the ability to move across cultures, whether physically or virtually, plays a crucial role in personal development. It can lead to transformative experiences that inspire individuals to engage more actively in society. However, barriers such as borders, visa regulations, financial constraints, and pandemics can limit these opportunities.

To address these limitations, digital technology has emerged as a valuable tool for facilitating intercultural exchanges. Remote collaboration, such as teleworking and international partnerships, allows people to connect and work together across distances. For example, virtual conferences and online collaborative projects enable individuals from different countries to share their viewpoints and work on common goals without the need for physical travel.

Despite the advantages of digital communication, challenges remain. Issues such as fear of the unknown, language barriers, and prejudices can still hinder effective intercultural interactions. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on thoughtful and respectful intercultural communication. This involves understanding and valuing the symbols and values of other cultures while allowing others to appreciate your own.

The Connexion project is a concrete example of an intercultural initiative that utilized digital technology to connect young people from France, Tunisia, North Macedonia, and Belgium. This project included both physical mobility and virtual interactions. For instance, it provided opportunities for participants to travel to each other’s countries and engage in online activities.

One notable example from the project was activity number 4, which was conducted entirely online. This activity revealed the complexities of digital access, such as varying internet connectivity, different types of hardware, and diverse usage habits. Despite these challenges, the project demonstrated the enthusiasm of young people to collaborate and pursue common objectives, taking into account everyone’s opinions and circumstances.

The culmination of the Connexion project was a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness about digital access issues and advocating for equal opportunities in the digital realm. The campaign highlighted the disparities in digital access and stressed the importance of ensuring that everyone has the chance to be informed and participate equally in society.

Central to the project was a commitment to compassionate intercultural communication. This approach valued open dialogue and embraced diverse viewpoints, fostering a spirit of genuine intercultural exchange. The young participants showed dedication to social cohesion and sought solutions to reduce social and economic exclusion, reflecting their personal insights within an intercultural context.

What does interculturality have to do with… digital ?

Digital tools: an opportunity for interculturality

Intercultural interactions present both advantages and challenges. Indeed, interculturality is usually related to mobility, but can pose difficulties such as administration problems (the obtention of a Visa), the cost of traveling, accommodations etc…. The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed the way organizations operate. With physical borders closed and traditional methods disrupted, digital technology emerged as a key opportunity to overcome these challenges.

Thanks to digital advancement, the world is more interconnected, and the organization can cooperate and reduce some of their costs. The creation of new tools facilitated real-time collaboration and communication, fostering a more connected and engaged workforce even when working remotely. It also helps with efficiency and simplifies repetitive tasks. Structures can  hold meetings worldwide without leaving their office, saving time and money. Cultural organizations can also enhance their impact since this interconnection makes it easier  to share cultural experiences with a wider audience. This practice also serves to promote awareness and sensitivity on issues such as racism, interculturality, gender abuse… And to learn about  other country, communities… Within the same logic, it is also easier to educate people with e-learning plateforme, more accessible courses. Several universities implemented e-learning platforms or MOOC like Coursera and Udemy to continue offering courses during lockdowns.

Digital technology is a way of getting round certain obstacles and strengthening civic commitment, but it can itself be an obstacle and it is necessary to make conscious use of digital tools. Indeed, as we could see in the “Guide of Good practice” (insert link), digital can be a real alternative to in-person’s experiences. 

 

The obstacles to efficient and responsible digital interculturality 

 

Digital also has a significant environmental impact. While not as significant as air travel, data storage in large data centers consumes an important amount of electricity and water, resulting in increased CO2 emissions. The extraction of minerals also disrupts the ecological balance and perpetuates a cycle of domination and exploitation. The minerals are often extracted in southern countries where the final products are predominantly used in northern countries. Disparities also exist in the distribution of internet cables, with more cables in the northern regions leading to better internet connectivity compared to the southern regions.

 

There are also concerns regarding privacy and data protection. A lot of criticism goes to the fact that data is often exploited and being used for commercial purposes (Cf the saying “if it is free, then you are the product”). It can be a real challenge to ensure the security of the users. Inclusivity is another critical issue, with language barriers, attention disorders, color blindness etc.. all presenting obstacles. Additionally, the digital environment can sometimes make people feel disconnected from their statements, potentially leading to inappropriate behavior due to the perceived anonymity. Also, maintaining focus can be more difficult online, staying engaged and interested being harder than in face to face for online experiences.

 

Every option can have drawbacks, that is why it is essential to evaluate the effects of face-to-face versus distance learning, taking in consideration various factors such as CO2 emissions, energy consumption, inclusivity, and accessibility for different projects. The most suitable approach will ultimately be determined by the context (target, number, places..)

Play our quizz to get to know the impact of digital !

4.6 billion listens to the song "Despacito" is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of :(today, the song has been listened to more than 8 billion times in april 2023)
During the process of its manufacture, a mobile phone travels as many kilometers as:
Using the favorites bar means using
Of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions, what percentage belongs to the digital industry?
To manufacture a computer weighing 2 kg, what weight of raw materials required?
Increasing the longevity of an appliance improves its by :
How many emails are sent around the world every day?
Tiktok's news feed has a bigger carbon impact ....than Youtube's. (The videos in Youtube's news feed animate after 2s, not immediately, unlike Tiktok)

Practical implementation of an online intercultural exchange

The experimentation of the Connexion·s project

At the end of our 2 years and a half project, after deeply exploring the concept and realities of interculturality and digital, the consortium experienced its own intercultural online activity : “You(TH) CREATE”. This hybrid intercultural meeting brought together 32 young people from the 4 partner countries (Belgium, Macedonia, Tunisia, France). 

 

The aim of the meeting was to explore the themes of interculturality, digital technology and civic commitment. Through various workshops and discussions, participants discovered new tools and debated what these themes mean from different points of view and cultural perspectives. By meeting virtually, they began to work together to design a digital campaign addressing digital inequalities. 

 

Examples of activities we have tested during the online sessions : 

Our testimony and tips following this experimentation

V Intercultural aspects, small-group exchanges, acquisition of communication skills

V Discovery of tools like Gather town, hybrid participation enabled young people from various countries to exchange ideas despite visa or economic constraints

V English subtitles facilitated understanding, and partners coordinated well via dedicated channels to resolve logistical problems.

 

X Camera problems and unknown names, making harder the speech management

X Oral instructions sometimes lacked clarity, and the uneven internet connection disrupted activities.

 

→ Improve planning, avoid sessions that are too long

→Test digital tools in advance

→ Favor more relaxed moments of exchange adapted to the objectives.

The #DigitalEqualityNOW campaign

 

In may 2024, the #DigitalEqualityNOW was launched by the four partners and all the participants of the activity “You(TH) Create”. The participants chose the topic of digital inequalities because they suffered from unequal access to the internet during our hybrid week-end, where the Tunisian struggle to join on Saturday morning. Throughout the week-end,  the issue of inequalities was brought to light, particularly during the « step forward » exercise (which you can find in the preceding section of this toolkit). It forced participants to envision different potential access to digital training, information, skills, and connectivity based on the « cards » provided to them. 

When the moment came to choose a subject for the campaign, it was clear for them that they wanted to talk about a subject they already worked on and experienced. 

 

This is not an isolated case, that is why it is important to raise awareness on this subject. It is a global issue: as reported by  the United Nations in 2022, a third of the world’s population had no access to the internet. During the covid 19, a lot of youth did not have access to a proper connection or had good electronic devices to their disposition, which directly impacted the school career. In Argentina, students in favelas did not all have access to a computer, and did not go back to school after the pandemia. 

 

 

The campaign was created thanks to the commitment of the Youth. Three times after the hybrid week-end, they met online to brainstorm on the subject (on zoom and  mural). After doing a brainstorming on the digital inequalities they may have faced or seen, we decided to launch a campaign around 3 topics: the misinformation and censorship, the access to training and inequality of use (ex: at school, in the public service…), and the lack of connection and access to functional device. They did some research on these subjects and presented it to the rest of the group. With a deeper understanding of the issues, a favorite hashtag was proposed and voted on using Wooclap. 

 

Once the content had been determined, the participants needed to discuss the format. We asked them what platform they would see in this context; and what format they wanted to create and see (ex: short videos, survey, infographic, pictures…). Given that they were essential to the campaign, it was necessary to gather information on their availability in order to collaboratively create content to be posted on our organization’s Instagram account and reshared by them.

 

But why a digital campaign? 

 

The goal is to raise awareness about the digital divide/inequality affecting young people and call for action ! It is not a real advocacy but a highlight of the gap that still exists. 

By using our network, we hoped to target  young people in our networks (E&D, TFYE, Eclosio, SEGA), but also the networks of participants and co-builders, and for a more global impact, we hope to reach schools/universities… The identification of the target audience and the mobilization is a key point in any campaign, digital or not. The manner to address the issues and solutions can vary according to this factor. 

If you want to take part in the campaign, you can share it on your social network (the visuals being posted on our instagram @eclosio @tunisianforumforyouthempowerment @coalitionsega and @engageesdeterminees). But you can also bring your action a step further and:

  • Read our guide of good practice and use platforms that are intuitive and accessible to all during your meetings and events (in particular by paying attention to the weight of it) 
  • Volunteer in associations to help people with their use of digital technologies 
  • Be sure to check your sources and compare several opinions. 
  • Promote affordable internet and subscription services, possibly involving your school, lobbying for regulatory measures, public-private partnerships and community initiatives… 
  • Monitor and follow associations working on freedom of expression and digital issues (e.g. Reporters Without Borders). 
  • Don’t judge someone if they do not have the same reference, or content, as you do: maybe they do not have access to it. 

 

The most important thing is to keep informed and to know about this difference. Being a citizen is also to get in touch with the reality of others.

It is not unusual to encounter difficulties: digital is a technological tool that also has its limits, and human beings are not constant. Online meetings can be just as difficult to conduct successfully as face-to-face ones. The aim here is to give you some advice on how to make the most of it.  

If this inspire you and  you want to create your own campaign, here are some advice you could use: 

 

    • Provided clear and visuals  instructions with key points (on how to join and participate)
    • Don’t forget to ask for feedback and send follow-up emails to improve future sessions
    • Keeping young people better informed of progress, so that they feel truly included 
    • To avoid the language barriers: important to write down and translate in needed (Use of simple word for the campaign to make it more understandable by everyone)
    • Ensure that all animators are aligned and have access to the same information. Also it is beneficial to have a drive or shared space where resources can be easily accessed in the event by everyone. 
  • Connectivity problem: make sure that you have a stable connection and use accessible tools (CF guide of good practice). Ask the participant to connect 5min or 10 min in advance so they can change source and device if the problem is related and if they have the opportunity. 
  • Make a clear program and agenda and send it in advance to all partners and participants to anticipate. 

Now it’s your turn ! Create your own intercultural exchange online with our activities

INSERT GAME HERE

The Q&A for efficient intercultural exchange online

What type of animation to maintain the attention of the participants?/ How can we make the content more engaging and interactive?
  • For a more engaging interaction, it is recommended to maintain a safe and positive atmosphere to keep participants attentive (trust is important for this type of event).
  • Consider organizing sessions where participants can discuss a specific topic and rotate partners every 15 minutes to ensure everyone is engaged. Proper timing is crucial to maintain an active and productive discussion.
  • Utilize tools that participants are comfortable using. The animators should provide clear instructions on how to navigate them, and it will be easier for them to actively participate in activities that require them to create or contribute online. 
  • With the feeling of  having a common goal or project, the participants will increase their participation and engagement of the activity/discussion. Allow equal opportunities for everyone to voice their thoughts and opinions (and unsure that they feel concerned by the topic)
  • When presenting content, consider using multimedia elements such as videos and creative slides (verify that the audio is enabled for virtual meetings).
  • Bonus tip: It’s important to find a balance between interactive and participative activities (collective reflection, group work) and theoretical presentations. To make participants feel legitimate and motivated to get involved, it is useful to start with a theoretical presentation that introduces the concepts in a general way. However, too much theory risks diminishing their commitment and interest in participating.
    • Example: To approach the theme of interculturality, start with a general presentation of the concepts, then engage the participants with an interactive module, such as a ‘representation canvas’, where they can freely express their perceptions and ideas.
  •  It is recommended that the energizer activity does not exceed 15-20 min (but this will also depend on the number of participants and the type of energizer you make)
  • Following the energizer, short breakout sessions, sharing cultural aspects such as pictures, images of their hometown, favorite dishes, and personal perspectives on the topic at hand which lead to a better meeting time and real exchanges.
  •  

  • There are different ways that exists to collect feedback:

    • In order to have useful and relevant data, you should evaluate your event at the end of your activity, using tools such as with a wheel of emotion . 
    • Participants should be encouraged to provide feedback on what they found valuable, areas for improvement, and elements they enjoyed. This direct feedback can help to judge the success (or not) of the project. . 
    • A follow-up evaluation post-activity, preferably via email, can allow for a deeper understanding and feedback (at least one week after, and you can see in the Guide of Good practice for examples of tools you could use) 
    • Initially, we aim to identify and mobilize resources for youth engagement. This includes determining the ideal timing for activities, creating relevant and appealing content, and highlighting the benefits for participants. Once these elements are defined, based on our experience, we employ two mobilization methods. 
      • The first is direct mobilization, where we contact the youth by phone, organize informal information sessions to present the activity and its importance. 
      • Afterward, we can proceed with mobilizing through publishing engaging and visually attractive content on social media to maximize visibility and encourage participation. However, it is important to note that word-of-mouth mobilization is very effective and crucial in ensuring the presence of young people.
    • In some case, it is necessary to provide internet fees for youth who have limited access, such as giving them prepaid cards to activate internet access. 
    • Offering participation certificates and allowing young people to lead sessions during the activity can also help them feel more involved and act as key players in the activity.

Based on our experience working with young people from various countries, Google Meet has proven to be an excellent platform for facilitating exchanges between individuals from different regions and nations. It is free, easily accessible to everyone, and does not require downloading an application.

 

On the other hand, platforms like Teams and Zoom have certain limitations. Firstly, they require subscription fees, and secondly, they demand a strong internet connection to access meetings. If the connection is poor, it can be difficult to join. Additionally, meetings on Teams are limited to one hour per session.

For engaging young people online, especially for a short duration and an unaware audience, consider these methods:

  • Interactive webinars: Short, engaging webinars with interactive elements like polls, Q&A sessions, and live chats can capture attention and provide valuable information.
  • Social media challenges: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are great for launching fun challenges that encourage participation and sharing.
  • Virtual workshops: These can include activities like art, coding, or DIY projects. They provide a hands-on experience and can be very engaging.
  • Gamified learning: Using game elements in educational content can make learning fun and engaging. Platforms like Kahoot! and Quizizz are popular for this.
  •   Live streaming: Hosting live events on platforms like Twitch or YouTube live can create a sense of community and real-time interaction.
  •   Short video clips: Creating short, informative, and entertaining videos can quickly capture the attention of young people. These can be shared on social media or video platforms.
  • Virtual reality (VR) experiences: VR can provide immersive experiences that are both educational and entertaining. This can be particularly engaging for tech-savvy young audiences.
  •  Active listening: Engage fully with participants by listening with all your senses. This means paying attention not just to their words, but also to their tone, body language (if visible), and any other cues.
  • Ask clarifying questions: If something isn’t clear, ask follow-up questions to ensure you understand their needs and concerns. This shows that you are genuinely interested in their input.
  • Summarize and Reflect: Repeat back what you’ve heard to confirm understanding. This can help clarify any misunderstandings and shows that you are actively engaged.
  •  Be empathetic: Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings and circumstances. This can help build trust and make participants feel valued.

 

  •  Adapt communication styles: Be flexible in your communication approach. Some participants might prefer visual aids, while others might benefit from written summaries or verbal explanations.
  •  Consider technical constraints: Be mindful of participants’ technical limitations, such as internet connectivity or device capabilities. Offer alternatives like downloadable content or lower-bandwidth options.
  • Provide multiple channels for feedback: Allow participants to share their thoughts through various means, such as surveys, chat, or email. This can help accommodate different preferences and ensure everyone has a voice.

  Create a supportive environment: Foster an environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their needs and concerns. This can be achieved by being approachable and open to feedback.

  • Plan the meeting in advance and beware of timetables of each participants
  • Write an email the day before with the information, objectives of the session(the tools used during the session, maybe share the agenda too) and the link 
  • Same day reminder email with the link and the time session takes place
  • Prepare in advance all the slides and documents to be projected, test the tools we are going to propose and check their accessibility (free of use, no need for registration, prepare a little example of how to use it,…) 
  • Before the meeting, ask the participants what media they will be able to use to follow the meeting (adapt these tools according to the ability of those present to participate) 
  • save the session in case certain people have to leave ealier or face a problem of connexion 
  • Always send an email at the end with a sum up of the most important information and ask what were the problems and try to find a solution for the next session 
  • Try to know if there are disabled people who participate and try to adapt your content to their needs. 
  • Provide subtitles and audio descriptions of an image 
  • Use a fairly large font with well-defined contrasts (not too many different colours and the same harmony).
  • Offer to participate in writing or orally 
  • Ask people with disabilities what can be improved for a future session – 
  • Plan extra time with them after the session?