We report on the development and use of a course-long, online simulation in a recent, upper-level undergraduate course on the International Relations of COVID-19. We demonstrate how to conduct a simulation in an entirely online environment by including a description of our processes and logistical advice, guidance, and specific examples. This…

The purpose of this article is to describe and report on a Globally Networked Learning (GNL) course among students in Germany and the United States. Specifically, we examine how GNL is an innovative method for international virtual exchange, which contributes to meaningful intercultural communication through more equitable access to international…

WeChat is one of the most popular social media mobile apps in China. WeChat was introduced to the course of Introduction to Human Health and Disease, as an instant interactive platform to enhance students' learning. Over a period of two years, a WeChat official account (OA) was set up and 157 push notifications were sent per semester. The push…

Background: Critical thinking is an important student learning outcome in all psychology courses and included in the American Psychological Association's (APA's) goals for the undergraduate major. Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of integrating a general model of critical thinking into the instruction,…

A strategic priority for university educators is to ensure graduates have developed a range of transferable skills. An important skill required by employers is the development of digital capabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the move of courses into blended formats which provided an opportunity for educators to redesign their modules to…

Undergraduate research experiences (UREs) significantly enhance the outcomes of students who participate. Unfortunately, students may face barriers to engaging in UREs, which creates challenges for students' development of essential research skills that may not be covered thoroughly in laboratory classes. Overall, there is a need for a curriculum…

Student participation, as a significant indicator of class learning, has been investigated from various perspectives. The present research seeks to explore student participation by drawing on text data from the chat box of an online learning platform. The two main research questions concern the main types of student participation indicated by the…

This reflective essay documents the adaptation of an active-learning strategy in response to the spring 2020 global pandemic. We detail how we adapted it from its original form as an intentionally nondigital, face-to-face, team-based activity into a new, fully digital format. We articulate the active-learning methods driving the original design as…

The free inquiry approach based on blended learning is a learning approach that is carried out by combining face-to-face and online lectures which gives students the freedom to find problems and solve problems independently, design procedures or steps collaboratively by sharing and discussing with friends. Hence, this learning approach is…

The development of digital games over physical distance is a common practice in the gaming industry, yet widely neglected in the curricula of digital game development programs at university level. The coronavirus pandemic, however, pushed project-oriented game programs all over the world towards an implementation of ad hoc approaches to remote…

The number of online courses in higher education is on the rise. However, empirical evidence elucidating best practices for synchronous online instruction is needed to best implement these courses. The research purposes were to examine synchronous online class sessions to (1) quantify interaction type, frequency, and rate, (2) quantify student…

WhatsApp, the message-sharing social media app, is commonly used by students to collaborate on class assignments. This article examines the use of WhatsApp as part of a course gradable assignments and weekly pre- and postlecture discussions. This study is based on a survey and interviews conducted with undergraduate university students in the UAE…

Digital storytelling (DS) has increasingly been incorporated as a pedagogical tool to engage EFL learners for active language learning. However, little is known about how EFL learners make self-initiated use of multifarious resources available to them for engaging in the DS practice behaviourally, cognitively, affectively and socially. This…

Purpose: This research reveals how a virtual exchange (VE) can foster transnational collaboration in higher education, assist students acquire key learning outcomes and raise awareness regarding the complexities affecting development policy and sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach:…

Purpose: This study explored English for Specific Purpose (ESP) students' utilisation of an online discussion forum (ODF) via the university Learning Management System to assist them in executing their group project task of constructing a Company Profile. Methodology: A case study was employed, guided by Socio-Constructivism theory and the…