Exchange Programs in the Digital Age
Recently my class engaged in a discussion on the topic of ethics of stem cell research. It was interesting to hear the perspectives of a largely South East Asian population, but when probing for different perspectives that might exist in other parts of the world, many of my students could not conjure up a thought. This got me thinking about the benefit of exchange programs.
As a result of increased globalization, traditional approaches to moral education are being called into question. While in the past “communication with diverse groups was relatively rare [and] parents could concentrate on the inculcation of the values espoused by their own community” (Noddings, 2010, p. 390), today, with the world becoming a much smaller place, “we live and work regularly with people whose values may differ from our own” (p.390). According to Cushner (2015), “people must first develop a sense of connectedness with others... if they are ever to acquire the skills and dispositions needed to solve problems, both on the domestic front as well as in the global context, that are faced by all “(pg 9-10). Noddings (2010), argues that we need to think creatively and employ an innovative approach to the global application of care ethics. He proposes that positive change can occur by sharing and recombining ideas in response to a changing world - “we should persist in dialogue...and increase opportunities for ordinary people in [various] countries to become acquainted and work together on common projects” (p. 393). Through engaging collaboratively with others around the world we can explore various perspectives, reflect on prior knowledge and “pursue common values and shared projects not only to accomplish important ends but also to know one another better” (p.394 ) allowing for innovative approaches to current practices.
Youth for Understanding is an organization that offers virtual exchange programs. The aim is to encourage “interpersonal diplomacy through virtual dialogues amongst teenagers around the world – with emphasis on reaching girls, displaced youth and other underrepresented groups who may not easily be able to embark on a physical journey abroad “ (“Virtual Exchange: Intercultural Exchange In The Digital Age,” 2016.). Moreover, this program allows for students to engage in “broad-topic, multi-polar dialogue across global classrooms, after-school clubs, and youth centers” (Virtual Exchange, 2016). This is an excellent way to bring the world to the classroom, allowing students to build on knowledge with students from differing cultures and contexts across the globe. Engaging in this type of activity would allow for students to gain various perspectives, including the perspectives of populations that my not be present within the classroom.
References:
Noddings, N. (2010). Moral education in an age of globalization. Educational Philosophy and
Theory, 42(4), 390–396. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-5812.2008.00487.x
Cushner, K. (2015). The challenge of nurturing intercultural competence in young people. The
International Schools Journal (34)2: 8-16.
Virtual Exchange: Intercultural Exchange In The Digital Age. (n.d.). Retrieved March 10, 2017, from https://www.yfuusa.org/virtual-exchanges/
No comments:
Post a Comment