Navigating Borders, Transforming Classrooms: A Thematic Analysis Of Moroccan Educators' Experiences In Virtual Exchange Programs

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of virtual exchange programs on teaching practices, by conducting semi-structured interviews with Moroccan English instructors who are actively engaged in global collaborative endeavors. The responses collected from a broad set of participants were subjected to thematic analysis, which aimed to investigate their experiences, problems, and the positive changes observed in their teaching methods. The identified themes were the wide-ranging involvement in virtual exchange programs, the complex influence on teaching methods, and the difficulties faced in incorporating these programs into the educational environment. Prominent discoveries encompass the positive impact on cultural consciousness, the adaptability of acquired instructional resources, and the intricacies associated with time restrictions and technology constraints. This research provides unique insights into the dynamics of virtual engagement in educational contexts, elucidating both the transformational potentials and the challenges encountered by educators.