1. Utilizing Technology to Develop a Successful Collaborative Learning Experience for Hospitality and Tourism Students in China and the United States
Nicholas Thomas
DePaul University School of Hospitality Leadership
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Yuan “Kate” Liu
Shandong College of Tourism and Hospitality
Jinan, China

2. “A Teacher Never Stops Learning”

3. Finding a GLE Partner and Theme
Kate: Visiting Faculty at DePaul Nick: Involved in Faculty Development in China
Theme: Hospitality and Tourism - A Global Industry

4. GLE History
Spring 2017: Hospitality Leadership and Self Development (US) & Hospitality Technology (China)
110 Students (26 China, 84 US)
5 Week Course (GLE 4 Weeks)
Theme: Technology Innovation in Hospitality and Tourism
Fall 2017: Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism (US) & Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism (China)
95 Students (31 China, 63 US)
10 Week Course (GLE 4 Weeks)
Theme: Expanded Knowledge of Global Organizations

5. Challenge: Student Quantity Imbalance

6. GLE Module Breakdown Phase 1: Faculty Lectures (Week 1)
Industry Overview for US & China
Cultural Differences (Hofstede Website, Readings)
Phase 2: Student Introductions (Week 1)
LMS Discussion Board
WeChat Groups
Phase 3: Collaborative Team Project (Week 2-3)
Phase 4: Feedback on Team Project, Reflection, and Evaluation (Week 4)

7. Phase 1: Faculty Lectures
Nick: Synchronous Delivery to China-based Students (Zoom)
Kate: Asynchronous Delivery to All Students (VoiceThread)
Industry Trends, Cultural Differences

8. Challenge: Bandwidth at China-based School

9. Technology Tool: Learning Management System (D2L)
DePaul Student & Faculty Knowledge
Adding China-based Students to D2L
Instructional Resources
Mobile Device Accessibility
Existing University License

11. Phase 2: Student Introductions
School/Class Specific Introductions Prior to GLE
DePaul Students Use of VoiceThread
GLE Introductions at Group Level
D2L Discussion Board
Basic Info
Fun Fact(s)
Photo
Best Method of Communication*

14. Challenge: Chinese Student Reliance on WeChat

15. Phase 3: Collaborative Group Project
Graded Component of GLE
Group Deliverable: VoiceThread Presentation with Audio
Assigned Roles in Group
Did Not Do in Spring 2017
Required in Fall 2017
Each Group Presented Unique Topic

16. Challenge: Time Management

17. Technology Tool: VoiceThread

18. Challenge: Spoken English Ability During VoiceThread Recording

19. Phase 4: Project Feedback, Reflection and Evaluation
Students Shared Completed VoiceThread
Comment on VoiceThread’s
Written Reflection of Experience
Evaluation Survey

21. Challenge: Conflict Management

22. Technology Tool: WeChat
Limited Application Access in China
Synchronous and Asynchronous Needs
13-hr Time Difference
“This form of communication is one of the best resources for speaking to people in other countries."

23. Challenge: Some Students Still Preferred Non-WeChat Communication

25. Benefit: Practical Knowledge Related to the Industry

26. Benefit: Leadership Skills in a Multicultural Team

27. Benefit: Enhance Image of Hospitality Education in China and the United States

29. Benefit: A Global Learning Experience

30. “Overall I found the GLE assignment to be a fascinating combination of cultural exposure and application of course materials to a unique research topic within the hospitality field.” 
“I am so impressed by the boldness that the Chinese students shared in typing and speaking in English as I know first-hand how difficult it can be to be brave and share mistakes when speaking a foreign language.”
“Working with students from a different country taught me a lot about communication and working in teams. I enjoyed working with our team and learned a lot about this experience!”

31. Thank You. Questions. NTHOMA15@depaul
Thank You! Questions? WeChat: nthoma15