International StudentMobility Course

Piloting ViCaDiS at Oulu UAS(Virtual Campus for Digital Students)

Aims, Methods andPreliminary 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 networkamong students and staff members

• Use ICT and social media as a meansto facilitate and support the(a) preparation of(b) documentation of(c) reflection uponoutgoing students’ international mobilityas 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 mediafor 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 PeriodDuring International Mobility PeriodAfter 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 PresentationStudents share own presentation at your study/work place

• Target Country WikiStudents 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 QuestionnaireRelated to students‘ experience, important feedback to staff members

• Post-piloting Questionnaire and InterviewRelated 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

Subscribe via the web page at http://www.vicadis.net/campus/login/

by creating a new account andfollowing the instructions.

Cheers!