Practice Reports

Cross-cultural learning through virtual exchange on the SDGs: What we have learned during and beyond the pandemic

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21827/jve.8.41565

Keywords:

virtual exchange, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), social learning platform, group poster project, student engagement

Abstract

Virtual exchange (VE) provides students with a significant opportunity to communicate and collaborate with peers from around the world without the necessity of travel. VE has increasingly gained traction since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, we commenced offering VE experiences centered on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a public research university in the United States, and we have successfully conducted this course three times in collaboration with universities in Rwanda, Eswatini, and India. Utilizing a social learning platform known as CourseNetworking (CN), we facilitated asynchronous discussions and prompted small-group interaction and projects. Despite facing various challenges, each iteration of the class yielded positive outcomes. This paper outlines best practices for course design and delivery.

Author Biographies

Mengyuan Zhao, Indiana University – Purdue University, Indianapolis

Mengyuan Zhao is the Associate Director of Research and Development at the CyberLab at IUPUI and the co-instructor of the SDG Virtual Connections course. She has assisted Professor Ian McIntosh in designing and teaching the course since 2020. Mengyuan has an EdD degree in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University. Her research focuses on educational technology development and implementation, social learning, and AI for education.

Ian McIntosh, Indiana University – Purdue University, Indianapolis

Ian McIntosh is the primary instructor of the SDG Virtual Connections course. He is the Director of International Partnerships at IUPUI and an advisor at the IUPUI Honors College. He has taught several global learning courses and led the service-learning study abroad program to Costa Rica. Ian has a Ph.D. in Anthropology and has published several books on Aboriginal Australian religion and culture.

Published

2025-10-09

Issue

Vol. 8 (2025)

Section

Practice Reports

Copyright (c) 2025 Mengyuan Zhao, Ian McIntosh

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