Globally Networked Learning (GNL)

What is GNL?

GNL refers to a collaborative approach to teaching that enables students and instructors from different locations around the world to participate in learning and creation of knowledge together. GNL allows for access to international experiences for all students. GNL activity might include cross-cultural discussion through a collaborative task, a research project or a student conference or other activities.

Types of GNL

• Class to class model:  Usually involves teaching a six week module (shorter for summer classes) that involves the professors from the different institutions to work together to create a project for the students that may be related to the UNC Charlotte course topic. The students from the two or more institutions work together in groups to solve a problem or research question. For example, in a Global Marketing class, the students may work together to compare the marketing strategies for fast food restaurants in the US and the partner’s country. The module involves three parts: introduction of the students and faculty to each other; working on the project; and reporting out findings. 
• Virtual Research Collaboration: Involves collaborative research projects. For example, the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at UNC Charlotte receives data from a public health department at a university in Tanzania and plots the data to create GIS maps that show health-related trends.
• Other Virtual Engagement Opportunities: Other types of GNL activities may include the following:
  • Collaborative student conferences where students demonstrate their interest/learning through interactive sessions.
  • Collaborative workshops focusing on a particular topic.
  • Other virtual projects that bring students together.

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