liveSciences³ Virtual Exchange & Joint Classrooms

As part of the liveSciences³ project, the aim was to establish an enhanced Student International Journey. Virtual Exchange formats were an important component in providing international learning experiences, further qualification and specialization across the Life Sciences, as well as insights into university-specific teaching situations and the learning culture of partner universities.

During Virtual Exchange, learning is moved to a virtual environment; students and lecturers have to connect through learning management platforms and apply digital tools. Implementing Joint Classroom scenarios allowed to integrate diverse and creative elements, such as synchronous sessions as well as asynchronous phases, where students worked together across borders and disciplines from different cultural contexts in a research-oriented way. Such joint courses offered students space for international exchange and diverse opportunities for intercultural communication. Thus, precisely those students gained international academic experience for whom a longer university stay abroad was impossible for financial, health or family reasons. Plus, students considering physical exchange were able to get in contact with future fellow students and lecturers and learn about studying in a different language and environment. More Information on Virtual Exchange and Joint Classroom is provided by the Internationalisierung der Curricula team of the University of Göttingen and their websites, including information on Planing a Virtual Exchange.

Furthermore, establishing Virtual Exchange among international partner universities had a great impact. It drove administrative developments to facilitating international learning opportunities across borders and negotiating standards, platforms and tools.

Latest information on Virtual Exchange Initiatives, as well as information and resources for students and teaching staff is provided by the websites of Göttingen International.

Opportunities

• Flexibility;
• Extension of course offer because students can visit classes from other institutions;
• Interaction;
• Strengthening of Digital Competences – for students AND teachers;
• Widening the own horizon by interacting with students and teachers from different cultures;
• Opportunity to practice English.

Recommendations

• Clear communication of expectations and learning culture;
• Involve students in processes;
• Group work and asynchronous elements;
• Divide group work as fairly as possible and evaluate it separately;
• Pay attention to time zones —> convenient hours for students.