International Student Mobility Course Piloting ViCaDiS at Oulu UAS (Virtual Campus for Digital Students) Aims, Methods and Preliminary Results (Bastian Fähnrich, September 2009)

Aims Create a good international mobility experience (studies and/or work placements abroad) for and with outgoing studentsgood international mobility experience Establish a social and academic/professional network among students and staff members Use ICT and social media as a means to facilitate and support the (a) preparation of (b) documentation of (c) reflection upon outgoing students’ international mobility as a joint effort of students and international coordinators Social and collaborative learning theories in practice

Aims Replace an earlier courses’ tasks (Orientation to Student Exchange, 3 ECTS credits, pass/fail)Orientation to Student Exchange Pilot the ViCaDiS’ virtual learning environment Gather students’ and staff members’ experiences of using ICT and social media for purposes in higher education

Methods ICT and Social Media: (ViCaDiS virtual learning environment based on Moodle, wiki, blog/learning diary, forum, presentation software etc.) Activities planned according to the chronological process of students’ international mobility period Activities consist of reading guidelines and using/creating resources for personal and common use Three (3) phases: Before International Mobility Period During International Mobility Period After International Mobility Period

Methods / Before Mobility Period Pre-piloting Questionnaire Related to the use of ICT and social media for learning purposes

Methods / Before Mobility Period Home Country Presentation English ppt presentation about Finland/your home country, approx slides

Methods / Before Mobility Period Target Country Wiki English wiki about target country, city, study and work place; use of text and other means (pictures, graphs, videos etc.). The target country wikis are placed in the course “International Student Mobility Cooperation WIKIs” (possible cooperation with incoming students or students/staff at partner institutionsInternational Student Mobility Cooperation WIKIs

Methods / Before Mobility Period Learning Diary (Blog) English blog about students‘ international mobility period; initial task, has to be updated at least once a week, commenting upon others’ blogs etc.initial task

Methods / During Mobility Period Home Country Presentation Students share own presentation at your study/work place Target Country Wiki Students update the wiki and invite others to contribute Learning Diary (Blog) Students update learning diary (blog) at least once a week to document and reflect upon international mobility and learning experience. Fellow students and staff members should post comments to blogs ;-)

Methods / After Mobility Period International Mobility Report English/Finnish ppt presentation about students‘ exchange, approx slides, will be published and later used at Going Abroad events to share your experience with students who are planning studies/placements abroad

Methods / After Mobility Period International Mobility Evaluation Questionnaire Related to students‘ experience, important feedback to staff members Post-piloting Questionnaire and Interview Related to the use of ict and social media, closing the piloting activities

Preliminary Results Course proves valuable to help students preparing, documenting and reflecting on their mobility activities as a joint effort. However: More time and expertise needed to support students on behalf of international coordinators, teachers and students themselves (both on a domestic and international level) More technical and pedagogical advice and guidance needed to use certain ict and social media for the benefit of learning More appropriate theoretical reflections and practical measures needed to utilise and enhance the social and collaborative nature of learning

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