Embracing Virtual Exchange: A Transformative Pedagogy for Educators

Want to prepare students for global careers? Virtual exchange offers real-world learning, intercultural collaboration, and professional growth—right from the classroom.

By Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning

Image: Monique Blom (MEd'10), standing right, received a USSU Excellence in Teaching award in March 2024.

Do you navigate cultural differences in your work relationships? Does your discipline require collaboration with international colleagues who have different ways of knowing or expectations? This is the context we aim to prepare our learners for as they consider their future careers and life paths. One powerful way to achieve this is through virtual exchange.

What is Virtual Exchange?

Virtual exchange falls under experiential learning, providing learners with opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge in unique contexts. Unlike traditional classrooms, which may lack contextual application, virtual exchange offers a near-authentic environment for learners to practice and refine their abilities.

Why Virtual Exchange?

  1. Real-World Application: Virtual exchange allows students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, receiving both formal and informal feedback from their international partners. This reflective process helps students identify and develop durable competencies that will benefit them in their future careers.
  2. Cultural and Disciplinary Diversity: Virtual exchange can occur between any two institutions or classes, often involving cultural or disciplinary differences. This diversity enriches the learning experience, fostering intercultural competencies and broadening students' perspectives.
  3. Collaborative Learning: By working with partner instructors from different institutions, educators can design collaborative tasks that bring the world into the classroom. This not only enhances students' learning but also strengthens professional relationships and opens doors to future travel and research opportunities.

Success Stories

Monique in the College of Education partnered with Norwegian instructors to explore language and the arts, as well as Indigenous ways of knowing. Using tools like Padlet, students engaged in discussions, shared original work, and built lasting friendships while practicing other languages. Randy in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources collaborated with international universities to deepen students' understanding of plant pathology. Through the tool Perusall, students reviewed scientific literature collaboratively, enhancing their engagement and reflection on diversity and equality. Cheryl in the Edwards School of Business facilitated international negotiation exercises using Zoom and online collaborative documents. Students learned to navigate different cultural contexts, setting professional and personal standards in their relationships.

"It was a great experience that made me more worldly and has
encouraged me to keep learning and seeking these types of experiences."

- Student Quote

 

Who Can Participate?

Anyone! If you're interested in helping your students develop intercultural competencies, grow their transversal skills, or take action on global goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals, virtual exchange is a valuable opportunity.

Get Started!

Implementing virtual exchange requires time and effort. Instructors need to:

  • Meet with partner instructors to identify common goals and design joint tasks.
  • Manage online relationships and interdisciplinary connections.
  • Ensure students are prepared for an interactive and intercultural learning experience.

Download the guide and templates linked below for helpful ideas to getting started. 

Consider reaching out to the GMCTL to explore how you can integrate virtual exchange into your curriculum. Let's bring the world into our classrooms and prepare our students for a global future! 

Title image credit: USask images

This article was created with the assistance of AI tools, as described in the GMCTL AI Disclosure Statement. 

This resource is shared by the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning (GMCTL), University of Saskatchewan, under a CC BY-NC-SA license.