Design Thinking, social entrepreneurship and cross-cultural dialogue: A case study of a trinational virtual exchange

Nadia Cheikhrouhou; Alia Gilbrecht-Hindi

doi:10.21827/jve.7.41438

Design Thinking, social entrepreneurship and cross-cultural dialogue: A case study of a trinational virtual exchange

Authors

Nadia Cheikhrouhou Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Béja https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4849-3134
Alia Gilbrecht-Hindi An-Najah National University https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0660-7967

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21827/jve.7.41438

Keywords:

Design Thinking, virtual exchange, Sustainable Development Goals, intercultural dialogue, cross-cultural collaboration

Abstract

This practice report explores the integration of Design Thinking (DT) into virtual exchange (VE) projects to enhance students’ engagement with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite increasing interest in VE and SDGs, there is a lack of research on effective DT practices in VE contexts. This paper fills this gap by identifying best practices: integrating intercultural dialogue principles, fostering multicultural collaboration, and assigning coaches to student teams. These strategies were implemented in a VE involving three institutions across the Middle East, North Africa, and the U.S. Results from both a quantitative survey and qualitative reflections indicate that the combination of DT, intercultural dialogue, and effective coaching not only facilitated students’ understanding and engagement with global issues related to SDGs but also enhanced their professional skills such as creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. This paper contributes best practices for educators aiming to leverage DT for SDGs in VE settings.

Author Biographies

Nadia Cheikhrouhou, Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Béja

Nadia Cheikhrouhou is a lecturer at the Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Béja in Tunisia. She teaches entrepreneurship and management. She has been implementing virtual exchange projects in her institution since 2018.

Alia Gilbrecht-Hindi, An-Najah National University

Alia Gilbrecht-Hindi is the director of Virtual Exchange and Innovative Partnerships, Head of US Relations and Coordinator of Debate Education at An-Najah National University. She founded Virtual Exchange (VE) and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) at An-Najah National University in the Occupied West Bank, solidifying the university's leadership in equitable VE practices.

Published

2024-12-12

Issue

Vol. 7 (2024): Special Issue IVEC 2023

Section

Practice Reports

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