Working with India through Technology

Emerging Academic Initiatives – Global Understanding

Jami Leibowitz, Ph.D.Leslie Pagliari, Ph.D.

Elmer Poe, Ph.D.Emerging Academic Initiatives

East Carolina University

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

Emerging Academic Initiatives – Global Understanding

INDIAUniversity of Jammu

Jammu, India

St. Aloysius College

Jabalpur, India

St. Xavier’s Institute of Education,

University of Mumbai

Mumbai, India

Maharaja Sayajirao

University of Baroda

Baroda, India

MATS UniversityRaipur, India

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 relateFaculty:• 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 CultureIndia• 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 (leibowitzj@ecu.edu)

Leslie Pagliari (pagliaril@ecu.edu)

Elmer Poe (poee@ecu.edu)