Global Seminar ~ a worldwide learning community

   The Global Seminar Goals

• Create changes in education to foster international partnerships in distance learning and a forum
  for future development
  
  
• Teach critical and creative thinking about sustainability issues and approaches
  
  
• Use technology to create a model of global education through a virtual environment

   The Global Seminar Objectives

• Increase awareness and understanding of the releationships among economic, political, social, ethical/philosophical, and technical dimensions of sustainability
  
  
• Enhance intercultural communication skills, improve learning and build leadership skills
  
  
• Increase communication among faculty and administrators at participating institutions
  
  
• Refine a model suitable for universities interested in creating effective, fully interactive international educational collaborations

   The Global Seminar Method

• Case Study Approach:
  
  
  • Students apply research and analytical skills to discuss and reflect on real-life cases from a variety
    of perspectives. Case studies developed by seminar partner institutions show the inextricable worldwide
    link between population demographics, agricultural practices, social and economic issues, health, and the environment. Topics have similar relevance, intrigue, impact and policy implications, and case studies are designed to investigate, plan, and develop scenarios to solve existing real-world problems.
    
    
• Constructivist Learning Philosophy:
  
  
  • Learning activities are grounded in the modern educational theory of cognitive psychology, which requires students to take responsibility for their learning and engage in reflection and critical thinking through a network of engagement in virtual face-to-face interaction. Faculty members coach and facilitate student-centered, experiential learning and set the stage for students to become actively engaged in the learning process.
    
    
• Innovative Technology:
  
  
  • Interactive videoconferencing
    
    
  • Electronic discussion boards and virtual chats
    
    
  • Web-based course management and archival system

   The Global Seminar Organization

• Students across global institutions share a common curriculum and come together through video conferences to discuss cases and share reflections
  
  
• Participating institutions are grouped into clusters of 4-7 institutions, each led by a volunteer coordinator
  
  
• Each cluster shares a mutual timetable and management of cluster activities is facilitated through email, telephone and video conference
  
  
• Members meet at a biannual Global Seminar Conference to plan courses

   Examples of Case Study Topics:

• Population
  
  
• Global Warming
  
  
• Globalization, Trade and Development
  
  
• Biodiversity
  
  
• Novel Food Proteins
  
  
• Land and Resource Management
  
  
• Sustainable Tourism
  
  
• Global and Local Water Concerns
  
  
• Response to Natural Disasters
  
  
• Urban Design and Green Cities