RETHINKING INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION: CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE'S GLOBAL MODULES PROJECT

Abstract

Champlain College, a leader in both online and international education, uses the Internet to create Global Modules that link the students and faculty at international educational institutions for shared online readings, discussion and teamwork. The readings challenge cultural assumptions as well as promote critical thinking and collaborative learning. Students are divided into virtual mixed groups with the charge of attempting to address global problems and then presenting their findings to their peers. This article presents an overview of the Global Modules approach, including the technological and pedagogical implications. In addition, the article will focus on Champlain's innovative efforts to embed the Global Modules approach as a required part of the college's new interdisciplinary core curriculum. Champlain College redesigned its general education requirements with a sequence of eleven interdisciplinary courses in fall 2007. The result of the curricular redesign is an integrated series of international dialogues spread over the student's university experience. Its aim was not only to address the breadth of disciplines, but to understand them in a contextual, meaningful way. These courses are thematic in approach, and model the inquiry-based method of learning. The Global Modules are embedded throughout the new Core in key courses as required, graded assignments.