For example, Chapelle (2005) contends that technology is central to second language teaching, while Sinicrope et al 2007) note the importance of increasing inter-cultural collaboration between individuals who are culturally and linguistically different using ICT. Moreover, Alrumaih (2004) argues that ICT advances aid EFL teachers to innovate the way they teach L2 to students in the virtual and physical classrooms. This research study will seek to enrich knowledge about the use of tele-collaboration promote intercultural communication and learning among EFL teachers in Saudi Arabia. O’Dowd (2013), for example, mentions that tele-collaboration enables virtual intercultural interaction and exchange between geographically-dispersed language learners in collaborative projects and tasks. Moreover, Ware and Cañado (2007) also state that tele-collaboration is essential in promoting conversational fluency and negotiation of meaning.
By applying online collaboration to enable EFL teachers in Saudi Arabia to collaborate on project work and collaborative tasks, the research project should enrich theory into how EFL teachers can improve their intercultural competence as well as ICT competence. The UNESCO ICT competency framework for teachers, for example, outlines the proficiencies and skills needed for teachers to integrate ICT into teaching practice and the study will seek to enhance this framework. In addition, this study will also seek to enhance knowledge on the Salmon (2004) five stage model that seeks to help guide EFL teachers enhance learner experience and knowledge construction using ICT.
Moreover, this research study will contribute significant knowledge about the role of the instructor for tele-collaborative intercultural research. Joly and Iseli-Chan (2010) identifies the need for additional research into tele-collaborative partnerships by EFL teachers.
