The international classroom: how online learning helps you gain a global perspective
Published: 14 April 2021
In our ever-more connected world, we need to be able to see things from other peoples’ point of view in order to be able to successfully work together towards a common goal.
In many ways, the world is getting smaller. Technology has enabled us to communicate and collaborate with others on a global scale and regular and affordable air travel has made crossing international borders as commonplace as a local commute.
Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed our international travel in the past few months, but in its place digital connectiveness has soared.
The DHL Global Connectedness Index 2020, which tracks international flows of trade, capital, information and people across 169 countries and territories, reported a surge in digital information flows this year as the pandemic saw us switch to working, socialising and educating online.
This rise in online communication is likely to boost international ties in the long term too, with the globalisation of information fuelling global ecommerce, boosting collaboration and making cross-border supply chains more flexible.
Why is an international perspective important?
A global perspective is important as it shapes how we see the world, as well as how we perceive ourselves and others. In our ever-more connected world, we need to be able to see things from other peoples’ point of view in order to be able to successfully work together towards a common goal.
By working with people from around the world we gain a better understanding of different cultures and behaviours, which in turn aids our ability to problem solve and make informed decisions.
So how can professionals ensure they have an international perspective, especially in the current climate where travel is restricted? The answer is via online study. Not only does studying online enable you progress your career – the diversity of the curriculum and the virtual classroom itself opens a world of different perspectives to learn from.
Collaborate with a network of international peers
At the University of Glasgow we offer a range of online programmes that can help you achieve your career aspirations and expose you to a range of international perspectives and ideas.
Our world-class online degree programmes attract students and staff from over 140 different countries. This international diversity not only ensures that our students gain a holistic view of their chosen subject, it also enables them to gain an international network of peers which they can call upon throughout their careers.
To gain the most from an online programme, both in terms of the educational content and the virtual collaboration, the programme material and delivery needs to be adapted to suit an online audience. In fact, when done correctly, most students say online learning is as good or better than face-to-face education.
Our virtual learning environment and our programme content have been developed from the ground up to ensure an engaging and motivating virtual experience. Our programmes are designed to ensure that our students have plenty of opportunities to work together and share their ideas, through online discussion areas, interactive quizzes, peer to peer reviews and plenty of groupwork.
We include international perspectives within the main curriculum of our online programmes. For example, in our Online MSc Education we have an elective module on international issues in adult education, which identifies the major influences upon the historical traditions of adult and community education internationally. Within our Healthcare programmes, students can opt to study impacts of globalisation on health, and appraise the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in a globalised context. The international outlook of our programmes boosts students learning and enables a deeper understanding of how each region of the world is connected economically, politically and socially.
Our research at the University of Glasgow is internationally renowned too, with 81% being judged to be internationally excellent (REF 2014). Through research-led teaching, Glasgow’s faculty are well-placed to inform you with the latest thinking, and encourage you to take insightful, interesting and relevant approaches to your chosen field.
Businesses need managers with a global view
It is no surprise that ‘cross cultural competency’ has been named in the top ten skills needed in the future workforce.
Many businesses now operate in a global environment, with a multicultural workforce. It is estimated that there are 272 million people currently living or working abroad - which equates to 3.5% of the global population. With the rise of remote working, the global talent pool has opened even further, enabling businesses to hire employees with the right skills based anywhere in the world.
The ability to see the world through the eyes of others enables professionals to communicate effectively with all stakeholders and make decisions that benefit their organisation on a global scale.
An online postgraduate qualification from the University of Glasgow can help you achieve your ambitions, expanding your knowledge, enabling you to pursue your interests and ensuring you have the holistic perspective necessary to progress your career in your chosen field.
If you are interested in online study with the University of Glasgow, please contact our admissions team by phone 0800 904 7258 (UK) or +44 (0)141 278 7247 (international).
Online postgraduate programmes
First published: 14 April 2021
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