Overview
In this course, you will explore the provision of online and distance education, not only beyond the walls of your institution, but also beyond the borders of your country or nation. This course examines the role that internationalization, globalization, and transnational education have played, and continue to play, in the evolution of distance education. This course will also provide you with insights into the challenges and opportunities facing distance educators worldwide.
You will examine issues confronting international education (face-to-face) and international open and distance education including: the availability and use of technology; learner support; cultural complexities; and the costs. You will also investigate the challenges of serving a diversity of open and distance education learners worldwide.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course students will be able to:
- Critically analyze the relationship between globalization and internationalization of higher education.
- Evaluate common criticisms and opportunities related to both internationalization at home and cross-border internationalization initiatives.
- Differentiate transnational face-to-face education from transnational distance education in terms of issues and benefits.
- Critically analyze current and future trends related to distance education in developing and developed countries.
- Demonstrate personal learning and achievement of learning goals and outcomes through reflective writing.
Evaluation
Assignment #1: Learning Journal (30%)
Students will create a learning journal. The journal will consist of reflections on your learning throughout the duration of the course.
Assignment #2: Country and Region Presentations (20%)
Students will create an audio-visual presentation that outlines the most critical issues in implementing distance education for a selected country or region.
Assignment #3: Four Learning Activities (10% each x 4 = 40%)
- Students will analyze readings related to Globalization and Internationalization of Education and create presentation slides (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote, Prezi, Sharepoint, etc.) that demonstrate their understanding of the main concepts in the readings.
- Students will summarize their understanding of the challenges and opportunities that transnational education can present for students.
- Students will provide a synthesis of transnational education from the perspective of the themes (e.g. issues and opportunities) and will present three or four overarching recommendations that may help address the issues.
- Students will analyze the issues related to the provision of distance education in various regions of the world and the recommendations that are offered.
Course Participation and Engagement (10%)
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1: Learning Journal | 30% |
| Assignment 2: Country and Region Presentations | 20% |
| Assignment 3: Four Learning Activities (10% each) | 40% |
| Course Participation and Engagement | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Materials
All learning resources are provided online.