Enhancing Teachers' Intercultural Competence with Online Technology as Cognitive Tools: A Literature Review

In an increasingly interconnected world, intercultural competency has become an essential skill for many. It is important for students to learn this skill, but are teachers equipped to instill such knowledge not just adequately, but also objectively and without prejudice? In light of the recent explosion in telecommunications-assisted teaching and learning, this is a timely review on the use of online technology as cognitive tools for enhancing teachers' intercultural competency skills. Though various online platforms for learning and sharing have been developed for and used by students over the years, less attention has been given to teachers' needs; only five well-documented projects pertaining to the upskilling of intercultural competence were found. We focus on these five projects and draw from them best practices, platforms and methods of potential and other insights, which would provide the best benefits in meeting the professional development needs of teachers.