Preparing College Students for World Citizens through International Networked Courses

Abstract

In today’s global society, higher education institutions are charged with preparing students to be world citizens who possess holistic perspectives on diverse international cultures. Many colleges and universities in the United States of America actively seek international partners to offer technology enhanced global networked courses. All members, including faculty, instructional designers, information technology support staff, and administrators, in the partner institutions play essential roles in developing and delivering international networked courses. In this paper, the researchers share the journey, offer course development models and lessons learned as they sought international partners, collaborated globally, developed international curricula, and team taught with colleagues from diverse culture and linguistic backgrounds. The purpose of this paper is to introduce practices that can be implemented in international networked teaching to help college students to increase intercultural and diversity awareness, explore and develop cultural competencies, and gain experience in communication and civil engagement in a global context through a more cost-effective pathway.