Distance Teaching: Challenges to Intercultural Competence Implementation in Moroccan Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Distance learning plays a vital role in shaping higher education teaching to be more intercultural competence-oriented.Higher institutions in Morocco, similarly to other countries, consider the teaching of intercultural competence as a priority in their educational system for the sake of preparing Moroccan graduates to adapt to the multicultural world.In this respect, this study will particularly shed light on the challenges to intercultural competence implementation into distance learning classes in higher education institutions in present-day Morocco.Purposeful sampling was used to collect data from 45 teachers belonging to two universities.The study adopts mixed method research design through the use of interviews and questionnaires instruments.The results show that EFL teachers displayed readiness to sustain the intercultural competence (IC) dimensions objectives, yet more efforts should be invested at different levels; curriculum development, teacher training, and material design in order to enhance intercultural competence in higher education distance teaching environment.