Once again, Ball State's learning boundaries have moved past the classroom and across the globe. The Virtual Global Classroom, an Honors Symposium in Global Studies course, is composed of 40 students, 10 from Ball State and 10 each from Venezuela, Pakistan and Nepal. 

In the fall semester, Ball State students spent four-and-a-half weeks meeting biweekly with students from each country via videoconferencing, instant messenger and e-mail. At the end of each session, a Ball State student paired with an international student to collaboratively write a paper on a topic they both found interesting.

"Students tackled tough subjects with their partners. For example, the notion that Muslim countries repress women," said Barbara Stedman, instructor and program coordinator. " I think they learned from their partners that ideas about rights and respect differ from culture to culture, and that the United States doesn't always have the 'correct' view."

The 10 Ball State students were selected based on their schedule flexibility, interest in other cultures and comfort level with technology. The flexibility in scheduling is essential to participate in this project. Because of time zone differences, class meeting times have been 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., unlike a traditional course with a scheduled meeting time.  

Stedman said the relationships developed by the students outside the classroom are exciting. One Ball State student already visited her Venezuelan partner and another has plans to do so during the holiday break. The Venezuelan class will be visiting Ball State in February.

Jennifer Shea, a sophomore communication studies major, is looking forward to showing her Venezuelan partner what daily life is like in America and taking the guests to the Indianapolis malls and museums.

"They're eager to learn as much as possible," Shea said.

Stedman hopes to have the opportunity to teach this course again in fall 2006 and is working with the study abroad program in hopes of creating an exchange program.

"The curriculum guides students through the exploration of topics ranging from religion and spirituality to social structures, marriage, family and gender roles," she said. "It's great seeing the students learn about other cultures while making friends and connections with students in other countries."

The curriculum was developed by East Carolina University and supported by the U.S. Department of State. Ball State's program is supported by the International Education Office.

Video Network Information Center

The technology behind this international course is provided by Ball State's Video Network Information Center.

Ball State has 85 Polycom systems and mobile systems that are available for any faculty member to use in their classroom, said Larry Cannon, Manager of Video Network Information Center. "We believe this technology provides faculty members a communications medium that can enhance the education experience," he said.

The technology is used most often in Ball State's Global Media Network connecting Ball State students to Australia, Sweden, Turkey, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea, among others.

For more information on getting a Polycom system in your classroom, visit www.bsu.edu/vnic or contact Cannon at (765) 285-2981 or lcannon@bsu.edu.

Jamie Wirtes