Transforming Curriculum & Pedagogy for Global Thinking with Social Networking Tools
Abstract: Social networking technologies (a.k.a. “Web 2.0” tools) now enable instructors to renew curriculum and pedagogy to embrace Webster University’s newly revised mission statement to “... transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.” These tools can make classes truly collaborative, and involve more authentic (“reality-based”) learning experiences. They gently raise the bar on student scholarship, writing and research. They inspire students beyond mastery to creativity, innovation and inventiveness. They connect students and faculty to a global network of experts and fellow students in a professional, learning community. They develop perspectives that are more interdisciplinary, more inter-cultural, and more globally responsible. This paper describes how Webster University faculty are embedding courses with blogs, wikis, mashups and other social networking tools to support students’ development of global thinking and citizenship.
Presider: John Potter, Institute of Education, University of London