Analyzing Student Learning in Sustainability: An International Exchange Case Study

Abstract

The use of technologies to bridge learning divides is an important topic in 21st century higher education. As an innovation to address this divide, the SUNY Empire State College – International Education - Virtual Residencies (IE-VRs) were created. The IE-VRs are virtual, international exchanges that connect undergraduate, graduate, and international education courses via a three-week collaborative, crossdisciplinary online module. We built a thematic IE-VR titled "Learning for a Sustainable Future," which focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and sustainability in socio-cultural-environmental contexts. Our analysis of student participation in the IE-VR indicates it is an effective model for transformative learning.