This volume introduces Virtual Exchange (VE) as an innovative form of online intercultural learning and investigates the myriad of ways VE is being carried out across universities, ultimately arguing for its integration into university internationalisation policies and course curricula.
Against the backdrop of increased digitalisation initiatives throughout universities given the effects of the pandemic, chapters focus not only on providing new research findings, but also on providing a comprehensive introduction and argumentation for the use of VE in university education and also in demonstrating how it can be put into use by both university decision-makers and educators. Reviewing the limitations of the activity, this timely work also fundamentally posits how VE and blended mobility more broadly could be developed in future higher education initiatives.
This book will be of interest to researchers, academics, scholars, and students involved with Open & Distance Education and eLearning, approaches to internationalisation in education, and the study of higher education more broadly. Those interested in innovative methods for teaching and learning, as well as educational research, will also benefit from this volume.
Author(s): Robert O'Dowd
Series: Routledge Research in Higher Education
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 163
City: London
Cover
Half Title
Series
Title
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
1 Introduction
COVID-19 and an opportunity for change in international education
Who is this book for?
How the book is organised
Bibliography
2 Definitions and origins of Virtual Exchange
Issues of terminology
What is Virtual Exchange?
What is virtual mobility?
What is blended mobility?
What is the process of internationalisation in higher education?
The origins and growth of Virtual Exchange
Theoretical underpinnings of Virtual Exchange
Conclusion
Bibliography
3 University internationalisation and developing global citizenship
Introduction
Internationalising university education
Implementing internationalisation
Internationalisation at Home and Internationalisation of the Curriculum
The role of Virtual Exchange in university internationalisation
Global citizenship as an outcome of international education
Conclusion
Bibliography
4 An overview of approaches to Virtual Exchange
Introduction
Class to class Virtual Exchange
Class to world Virtual Exchange
Externalised models of Virtual Exchange
Combining Virtual Exchange and physical mobility
Conclusion
Bibliography
5 Impact and learning outcomes of Virtual Exchange
Introduction
Learning from Virtual Exchange
What factors are key to learning in Virtual Exchange?
Limitations in Virtual Exchange research
Conclusion
Bibliography
6 Towards an effective methodology of Virtual Exchange
Introduction
Integrate Virtual Exchange and blended mobility into the curriculum
Develop rich intercultural learning opportunities
Integrate reflection with interaction
An equilibrium in communication modes
Support students’ foreign language needs
Conclusion
Bibliography
7 The role of international offices in Virtual Exchange
Introduction
Integrate VE with the institutional strategy for internationalisation
Establishing working groups for VE and blended mobility
Explain the concept of VE to local teaching faculty
Identify and/or establish networks for partner finding
Link VE with teacher promotion and recognition of innovation
Conclusion
Bibliography
8 Looking to the future of Virtual Exchange in university education
Introduction
Guiding principles moving forward
Limitations to Virtual Exchange
Next steps
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
