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 students
• 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)
• 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. 10-15 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 institutions
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.
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. 10-20 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
ViCaDiS Virtual Learning Environment
ViCaDiS Virtual Learning
Environment
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http://www.vicadis.net/campus/login/
by creating a new account and
following the instructions.
Cheers!