Faculty Testimonial of Globally Networked Learning

Attending the Global Learning and Internationalization Institute offered by the office of International Programs raised my awareness of the importance of virtual exchange programs and has underscored providing students with a global context that promotes accessible international experience and intercultural competence. The institute I attended encouraged and supported me to add a GNL component to one of the Arabic classes for the first time. The GNL aspect of the course allowed the students to connect with their peers across the globe in Cairo, Egypt, developed students’ collaboration skills, enabled the students to draw similarities and differences between both cultures, facilitated critical students’ examination of their own culture situatedness, and enhanced their global awareness. This experience further encouraged me to continue including a GNL component in the Arabic courses every semester.

Adding the GNL component to the course transformed the student experience and facilitated a depth of understanding. Although global elements were part of the course design, making direct connections with students in Japan through GNL put faces and names to intercultural concepts that were otherwise seen as “elsewhere.” Student engagement improved, curiosity and exploration became intentional, and writing strengthened with each collaborative assignment. Following the GNL unit, student growth continues through improved connections with course content, an increased understanding of place as a global citizen, and the development of cross-cultural friendships. It is well worth the time and effort to add a GNL component into the course design.

By learning together globally, we will equip graduates to better engage the diversity of perspectives and needs in our visual culture. I urge graphic design programs everywhere to incorporate GNL into their offerings to connect students globally for their enrichment and professional preparation.

Offering a course with a GNL component allows students to gain more perspectives about the course content.