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

INDIA University 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 University Raipur, 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 relate Faculty: 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 Culture India 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 Leslie Pagliari Elmer Poe