Multifaceted analysis on the role of online tools for cultural and knowledge promotion during exchange program
List of Authors
  • Hong-Seng Gan , Ying-Tuan Lo

Keyword
  • Virtual Exchange Program, Digital Literacies, Malaysian Academia, COVID-19

Abstract
  • With the advanced of information technology, various online interaction platforms have been developed. These online platforms are easy to use. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, their prominence increased due to the huge volume of user demands. For example, the public were required to rely on online tools to communicate during the lockdowns. After the pandemic, online tools have trickled into the lifestyle practice of the public. In this study, the findings indicated that there was a significant increase in the exposure, experience and digital skills in using the online tools after the pandemic. However, further investigation on the role of online tools in promoting cultural understanding and knowledge transfer has shown a mixed result. In particular, the findings have suggested that the role of online tools to promote cultural understanding need to be further strengthened via new approach. Future studies should focus on exploring the challenges in adopting online tools during the virtual exchange that has hindered the effectiveness of online tools to promote cultural understanding and knowledge transfer.

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