Download Slide 1

Working with India through
Technology
Jami Leibowitz, Ph.D.
Leslie Pagliari, Ph.D.
Elmer Poe, Ph.D.
Emerging Academic Initiatives
East Carolina University
Emerging Academic Initiatives – Global Understanding
The Global Understanding
Course
• Use of Videoconference and chat
technology for real–time experience.
• Develop a better understanding of other
cultures from peer students living within
those cultures.
• Work with 3 partner institutions over the
semester for approximately 4 – 5 weeks
each.
• 51 partner institutions in 27 countries, 5
in India. Over 2000 students worldwide
participate.
Emerging Academic Initiatives – Global Understanding
University of
Jammu
Jammu, India
Maharaja
Sayajirao
University of
Baroda
Baroda, India
St. Xavier’s
Institute of
Education,
University of
Mumbai
Mumbai, India
INDIA
St. Aloysius
College
Jabalpur, India
MATS University
Raipur, India
Emerging Academic Initiatives – Global Understanding
Global Climate Change and
other Initiatives
• Global Climate Change
– Discipline specific course
– Work with 3 – 5 institutions simultaneously
over the entire semester
– Use videoconference, web-conference and
wiki
– Lectures and group projects
• One-time activities in ECU classes
– Guest lectures
– Shared discussion boards / blogs
– Real-time student discussion
Emerging Academic Initiatives – Global Understanding
Our Challenges
Student:
• Communication
• Internet Access
• Inability to relate
Faculty:
• Infrastructure
• Communication
• Reluctance to Discuss Challenges
• Gender/Power Dynamics
Emerging Academic Initiatives – Global Understanding
Our Successes
General
• Viewing “Others” as People
• Improved Intercultural Communication
Skills
• Reflection on Own Culture
India
• General Knowledge of Indian Culture
• Understanding of Fundamental Value
Differences and their Impact on Daily Life
Emerging Academic Initiatives – Global Understanding
For More
Information:
Jami Leibowitz
([email protected])
Leslie Pagliari
([email protected])
Elmer Poe
([email protected])