What is GOLE?
The Global Online Learning Exchange (GOLE) is St. John’s virtual international exchange program. Virtual Exchange or VE is also known as COIL, Collaborative Online Learning Exchange. The program connects faculty and students with international partners to collaborate on projects that embed course objectives and global issues together with intercultural communication skills. GOLE courses provide access to global learning opportunities to all students and incorporate high impact practices and innovative, transnational pedagogy.
What are the key components of a GOLE class?
- GOLE courses are embedded in an existing course.
- Students work together asynchronously and synchronously for typically 4-8 weeks on projects and activities.
- Faculty work with international faculty partners within or outside their discipline.
- Course projects include shared learning outcomes, class time and assignments planned and managed in tandem with international partners.
- Students increase intercultural communication skills, knowledge, and understanding
- Courses incorporate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals addressing global issues such as inclusive, accessible, quality education; health inequities; and economic development.
GOLE and DEI
GOLE meets St. John’s mission and equity priorities to promote access in education, improve educational outcomes, engage students and faculty, and empower them no matter where in the world they live. GOLE classrooms are multi-diverse and multicultural environments. Through GOLE, students on both sides of the exchange explore cultures and ways of thinking and learning that are different from their own, while benefiting from unique ways to connect with course content.
GOLE Faculty Workshop
Each spring, the Office of Global Programs with the Center for Faculty Success and Development offers faculty a three-week online GOLE Faculty Workshop that presents methodology, high impact practices, and project design and ways to integrate them into existing St. John’s University courses. International partners are also welcome to participate in the workshop.
Faculty workshop dates and registration.
Funding
Funding for the implementation of GOLE courses is available for St. John’s faculty.
GOLE Faculty Fellows and High Impact Practice Forums
Faculty Fellows represent diverse disciplines and are experienced GOLE practitioners who provide support to colleagues, share lessons learned, and foster quality programming during the GOLE course development process. High Impact Practice Forums, led by GOLE practitioners in fall and spring semesters, focus on teaching techniques and tools to enhance students’ global engagement and learning.
Contact Information
For more information about GOLE, visit the Center for Faculty Success and Development’s GOLE website, or contact Zoe Petropoulou, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Senior Director for Global Engagement, Office of Global Programs at PETROPOZ@stjohns.edu.