GNL Partnerships

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How do I begin building my partnerships for the GNL course?

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Partner

Motivation for global learning and intercultural understanding

 

Course/Module/Activity, International Experience, Teaching and Research interests

Location: Time zone, Language and Connectivity (TLC)

 

Academic context i.e. course/experiential learning, schedules, learning modalities, academic calendars, holidays, etc.

 

How can the GNL Partnerships Team help you build your collaboration with your Partner?

By selecting the option "I would like assistance finding a partner" in your GNL Project Proposal, the GNL Team will:

  • Assist in finding and connecting with a partner who is aligned with your ideas and interests.
  • Facilitate introductions and meetings with York University Partners
  • Help you establishment of an agreement, if necessary
  • Connect you with other faculty pursuing GNL projects
Do I need an agreement for a GNL-Enhanced course?​ 

An agreement is NOT required to start a GNL-enhanced course/module/activity. While tapping York existing partners would be ideal, faculty members can choose to co-design a GNL learning environment with a faculty member from any reputable university. ​They may be new/potential partners that require an agreement (i.e. establish institutional support or additional resources at their university). If this is the case, York International will help facilitate the establishment of an agreement.​ 

Partnership Tips

Who could your GNL Partner be?

Academic and Professional Networks: Existing research partners, past visiting professors, former student/graduate students, academic and professional associations. York University partners and connections: York University institutional and exchange partners, the Hemispheric University Association (HUC), Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), and alumni connections and networks.

GNL Partnership-Matching Platform

  • This Google Slides document is a platform for York University Professors and Partners to propose their collaboration ideas for GNL Projects. Information will also include a brief description about the professors, preferred dates of collaboration, proposed activities, the profile of the students, class size and preferred language for the collaboration
  • To add your own collaboration idea/offer: (1)Open the Platform on Google slides; (2) select the slide on the Left Sidebar and right-click and select ‘Duplicate Slide’ and finally (3) add your information and details. 
  • If you have questions about this tool or partner-matching, please contact Helen Balderama, helencb@yorku.ca and Marierose Talla, rtalla@yorku.

 

300+ York University Partners through York International

 

SUNY Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Network (USA)

 

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands)

 

Hemispheric University Consortium (HUC)

Breaking the Ice

If you have identified a Partner and you have their contact information, approach them via email. Consider these questions:

  • What are 3 key pieces of information a potential partner should know about you as a professional, a person, and about your teaching?
  • What makes you and your course/learning experience an appealingpartner for online international collaborations?

Set a time to meet and discuss further over Video Conference

If you would like introductions to be facilitated by York International, contact Helen Balderama, helencb@yorku.ca and Marierose Talla rtalla@yorku.ca from the GNL Project Team. They will facilitate introductions and set a time to meet.

After identifying a course to be the basis of your GNL project, the next piece to consider is the design of the joint GNL activities with your partner. Consider some of these questions: 

  • How shall we combine content? (e.g. merged or align syllabi/learning outcomes for the module or activity?)​​ 
  • Will we develop any new content for the module/activity or can we repurpose?​​ 
  • Will we have our students generate content? 
  • Asynchronous and synchronous course activities and components between faculty and students 

For assistance with GNL course/curriculum design, get in touch with Lisa Endersby lendersb@yorku.ca and Dominique Scheffel-Dunand, dsdunand@yorku.ca. 

 

Tips to Keep in Mind:

  • Be sure to exhibit empathy, curiosity and flexibility. Endeavor towards equality and mutual benefit and be wary of power imbalances.
  • Communication is key, be sure to set regular check ins and establish multiple modes of communication. If there is any question or concern, discuss on a call rather than only through emails.
  • Contact the GNL Project Team if you need assistance at any point.
  • Consider similarities & differences between each partner’s context (e.g. teaching, discipline, institutional type) that may impact GNL collaboration

Addressing Language Proficiency

  • Could a bilingual/plurilingual approach be useful and viable for your GNL enhanced learning experience?
  • If not, are there ways you could embed your partner’s language(s) to help students gain some awareness of the other language and culture?
  • How will you address language and translation issues when (or if) they arise?
  • Are there York university colleagues or units who can assist?