Details of the workshop
Date: 6 November, 2018 (Tuesday)
Time: 12:45 pm – 2:15 pm
Venue: ACC209, Jockey Club Academic Community Centre, Baptist University
Speaker: Prof. Nannette Commander and Dr. Lisa Deng
Abstract
Today’s technology impacts efforts to prepare our students to be global citizens. Rather than involving only physical mobility, the focus now is internationalisation through various “at home” activities, including introducing a global component in the curriculum. Virtual Exchange, where students from different countries interact and learn from each other online, is one way to promote students’ globalised perspectives.
This presentation shares information on two undergraduate virtual exchange projects. In the first project, HKBU and U.S. students enrolled at their home institution connected through asynchronous online discussions to critically analyse educational case studies. Students analysed each case from a theoretical perspective, evaluated instructional techniques, and justified their positions from readings, research, and personal experiences. Results from quantitative and qualitative analysis of transcripts indicate the experience promoted globalised perspectives in students. These activities are currently being expanding through support by a Fulbright grant. In the second project, HKBU and Taiwan students connected through two online platforms – Moodle as a formal channel for course-related discussion, and Facebook as an informal channel for social oriented interaction. We will introduce the instructional design process and reflect on the effects of various strategies as well as students’ experiences and perceptions. The challenges encountered especially those concerning using Facebook in formal learning environments will be discussed.
These projects add to the knowledge base about internationalisation of curriculum and present models for fostering cultural competency in students. “Lessons learned” from teaching international courses will be included in the presentation.
