Discussions across Borders: A German-American Partnership

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Discussions across Borders: A German-American Partnership
Language: English
Authors: Zeiser, Pamela A., Fuchs, Doris, Engelkamp, Stephan
Source: Journal of Political Science Education. 2013 9(4):474.
Availability: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2013
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Postsecondary Education
Higher Education
Descriptors: Partnerships in Education, Political Science, Global Education, International Educational Exchange, Computer Mediated Communication, Teaching Methods, Educational Practices, Active Learning, Technology Uses in Education, Educational Objectives, Scheduling, Assignments, Group Discussion, Feedback (Response), Academic Achievement, Student Evaluation, Participant Satisfaction, Foreign Countries, Cultural Differences
Geographic Terms: Florida, Germany
DOI: 10.1080/15512169.2013.835574
ISSN: 1551-2169
Abstract: This article reports on our experiences in a German-American partnership in internationalizing the curriculum. In a globalized world, engaging other cultures and identities as well as understanding global issues and events from other perspectives are important qualifications that allow students to gain different insights in political science. Yet, not all students have the opportunity to study abroad to achieve these goals. Today's technology, however, offers effective methods and techniques for internationalizing the curriculum and requiring students to think beyond their own national borders. Our "discussions across borders" show how communication technology can be utilized to create opportunities for international exchanges with students at a university in another country. Beginning in 2008, students at the University of North Florida and University of Muenster engaged in joint online discussions on international issues. Based upon the achievement of educational objectives, we consider these online discussions an effective way to increase student awareness of other cultures and perspectives as well as substantive course content. As such discussions could be replicated at other institutions, this article presents the educational objectives for, design and process of, assessment of, and challenges in carrying out discussions across borders.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 8
Entry Date: 2014
Accession Number: EJ1024133
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:This article reports on our experiences in a German-American partnership in internationalizing the curriculum. In a globalized world, engaging other cultures and identities as well as understanding global issues and events from other perspectives are important qualifications that allow students to gain different insights in political science. Yet, not all students have the opportunity to study abroad to achieve these goals. Today's technology, however, offers effective methods and techniques for internationalizing the curriculum and requiring students to think beyond their own national borders. Our "discussions across borders" show how communication technology can be utilized to create opportunities for international exchanges with students at a university in another country. Beginning in 2008, students at the University of North Florida and University of Muenster engaged in joint online discussions on international issues. Based upon the achievement of educational objectives, we consider these online discussions an effective way to increase student awareness of other cultures and perspectives as well as substantive course content. As such discussions could be replicated at other institutions, this article presents the educational objectives for, design and process of, assessment of, and challenges in carrying out discussions across borders.
ISSN:1551-2169
DOI:10.1080/15512169.2013.835574