Open AccessReflection on practice: an exploration of a virtual online collaboration as preparation for the year abroad
Author(s) -
Claire O’Reilly
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of virtual exchange
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2647-4832
DOI - 10.21827/jve.4.35781
Subject(s) - checklist , reflection (computer programming) , task (project management) , exploratory research , intercultural learning , reflective practice , virtual learning environment , study abroad , psychology , online learning , pedagogy , mathematics education , computer science , multimedia , engineering , sociology , systems engineering , anthropology , cognitive psychology , programming language
This paper describes an exploratory online intercultural exchange that took place between two universities, one in Ireland and the other in Germany. Students worked together virtually – across cultures and disciplines – on a project-based task for assessment. Based on an analysis of the reflective learning journals submitted over the course of the semester, there is evidence that a virtual online learning environment may be considered as an effective way of preparing students for a Year Abroad (YA), triggering a path of reflection and (inter-) cultural learning. From insights gained doing this Virtual Exchange (VE), a type of inventory for virtual online collaboration is suggested, which may serve as a task-checklist for future VEs.