Expanding the Learning Community with a Global Seminar. (3617)
Authors:
J.R. McKenna* - Virginia Tech A.L. Hammett - Virginia Tech A.K. Bruchner - Virginia Tech
Abstract:
The Global Seminar is an international distance learning course focused on environmental and sustainable resource management. The conceptual framework for the project is based on a constructivist approach to teaching and learning that promotes critical reflection and experiential learning based on real global problems.
The course uses case studies of real events and people to investigate key concepts and policy issues that are embedded in real world problems. Virginia Tech is the lead institution and coordinates universities from Peru, Mexico, Italy, Phillipines, Germany, and China. Along with the case studies, this course uses international student teams and the internet, video, satellite, and telephone technologies to meet the challenge of having a global classroom of students spread among institutions around the world. The three-credit one hour seminar course includes six
synchronous video-conferences, continuous asynchronous discussions throughout the semester using an on-line discussion board and email. An on-line community web site contains all readings, links, images, and mini-biographies of students. Case studies this past spring included bio-diversity, population, water quality,
bio-prospecting, food safety, and sustainable tourism.
Speaker Information: James McKenna, Virginia Tech, CSES, Blacksburg, VA 24061;
Phone: 540-231-9786; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Monday, November 1, 2004, 12:55 PM-4:30 PM Presentation Start: 1:00 PM
Keywords: Global Education; Case Studies; Environment; Sustainability