Cross-Border Student Collaborations: Opportunities for Videoconferencing

Abstract

Globalization has prompted businesses to adopt burgeoning technologies that support the efforts of distributed teams. This project unites students from geographically dispersed master's-level programs on two continents. Using videoconferencing, virtual workspace, telephone, and e-mail, MBA students at a U.S. university teamed with students from Germany to prepare reports on behalf of the International Trade Centre. In addition to mastery of course content, students on both sides of the Atlantic experienced and conquered cultural, language, and logistical complexities associated with cross-border collaboration. The use of videoconferencing promoted stronger relationships among distributed team members and increased student satisfaction with the cross-border assignment.