(Başkent University Distance Education Application & Research Center, Ankara, Turkey, 2022) Sharkova, Svitlana; Ageicheva, Anna; Sharkova, Nataliia F.
ENG: Computer-mediated communication despite its traps and pitfalls can become a valuable asset for both foreign language teachers and learners. Nowadays, while using Skype, WhatsApp or Zoom different educational institutions can arrange online sessions of English Speaking Clubs, Round Table discussions to stimulate students to get out of their cocoons and promote international partnerships through technology. Such online meetings of American and Ukrainian students have taken place during the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the process of empowering students with new social skills in digital environment should be critically reflected. The possible ways to facilitate student international collaboration transcending distance and overcoming psychological barriers are described. The chain of activities, including creative tasks and resources that can help educators to equip students with effective social skills, promoting cross-cultural communication are introduced in the article.