The power of international online conversations: higher education teachers’ reflections on their impact on academic development

ABSTRACT

Building on previous research on informal conversations in teachers’ academic development, this study explores how academics’ reflections on their teaching practices are shaped by online conversations with their international colleagues. In-depth interviews conducted with teachers (N = 13) at 12 higher education institutions in eight countries revealed an increase in teachers’ confidence relating to their practice, and a change in their identity as they see themselves as innovators with influence on teaching practice at their institutions.

KEYWORDS:

• Academic development
• Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange
• informal conversations
• online discussions
• teachers’ confidence

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rita Koris

Rita Koris is an associate professor and academic developer at Budapest Business School, University of Applied Sciences. She was involved in the Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange Project as co-trainer, helping university educators in their academic development to learn how to develop and implement virtual exchange projects in HE institutions.

Sabine McKinnon

Sabine McKinnon retired from Glasgow Caledonian University as a senior lecturer in Academic Development. She is now an independent consultant in internationalising the curriculum and was lead trainer on professional development courses for the Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange Project.