Globally Networked Collaborative Learning in Industrial Design

Abstract

This article explores project-based cross-cultural and cross-institutional learning. Using Web 2.0 technologies, this project involved more than 240 students and eighteen academic staff from seven international universities.

The focus of this article relates to a project-based learning activity named The Gift. At each institution the students formed small local project teams that were paired with teams of students from one of the other collaborating universities. The findings suggest that the majority of students perceived this activity facilitated their learning, especially in the development of virtual teamwork and communication skills. The article discusses findings related to peer learning in relation to information and communication technologies and cross-cultural communication. It concludes by evaluating the validity of underlying assumptions.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank participating staff and students from the collaborating universities and our external partners. We also thank staff from Central Learning and Teaching Services and the IT department at Northumbria University, who kindly provided technical support for this project. We also thank the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) infoNet and the Northumbria University Graduate School, who contributed to dissemination of the research project outcomes. We would also like to thank the reviewers for their insightful comments and would also express our gratitude toward Professor Moore.