Global Classroom

Abstract

In this paper Brownlie discusses a module entitled 'Global Classroom'. There are three participating universities: Le Mans Université, France where the module is part of the Masters in International Cultural Studies; the University of Pretoria, South Africa; and Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado, São Paulo, Brazil; participants from the latter two universities are fourth year students in political science. In order to facilitate communication, the module operates via the video-conferencing platform Zoom. Each week focuses on a particular topic, for example, green action, media and misinformation, democracy in action, national elections and youth attitudes, with guest speakers, student presentations and discussion. The paper defines and is structured by four concepts/practices: "small cultures", "postdigitality", "virtual exchange", and "postdigital critical cosmopolitanism." The Global Classroom module is analyzed through the prism of these concepts/practices. With respect to virtual exchange and postdigital critical cosmopolitanism, it is found that the module partially equates with these concepts/practices. It is suggested that in future iterations of the module, particular choices with respect to topic and task design could better allow students to develop intercultural skills and self-reflection.