Expanding Conversations: Experiential Learning through Film in Asynchronous Online World Language Courses

Many educators face challenges with online learning since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Online modalities became common in world language courses; however, challenges remain in creating communicative contexts. This study examined university student perceptions of an experiential learning sequence using films in Spanish and French at the intermediate level in an asynchronous online environment. Students were required to watch a movie and complete activities related to language and culture learning goals, followed by an in-depth survey about the experience. Participants expressed positive perceptions of the activities, finding them helpful in increasing interest and motivation, as well as in expanding their thinking and knowledge about course topics. These findings demonstrate the importance of experiential learning to build student-centered communities of language and culture learning in the asynchronous classroom.