ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Program Philosophy | Background | Role of Educators | Aims

 

Program Philosophy

The GSE Online program is based on the realization that the world has become inextricably interconnected as well as interdependent, and educators cannot afford to ignore this new reality. They need to extend their knowledge of the world and develop critical skills to understand the changing economic, political, and cultural contexts within which education takes place. At the same time, the new contexts provide educators with wonderful new opportunities to enhance the quality of their teaching by linking up with educators around the world.

 

Background

This unique degree has been developed and is taught by leading scholars in global studies in education associated with the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Global Studies in Education (GSE) Online program was established in 2004 and enrolled its first cohort of students in January 2005. These students graduated with a Masters Degree in Educational Policy Studies (EPS) in December 2006.

An article describing how and why the program was developed appeared in the online University of Illinois News Bureau in April, 2005. The degree consists of eight courses, and is normally completed in two years of part time studies, with no on-campus requirement. The program's innovative approach to on-line education provides students considerable flexibility, with a range of opportunities to interact with educators from around the world and participate in a study abroad program. Its development is partly funded by the US Department of Education's Title VI Program through the Center for Global Studies and other Area Studies centers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign .

 

Changing Role of the Educator

Increasingly, educators are becoming aware of the challenges presented by the complex, transforming world in which youth cultures are often ahead of teacher knowledge and skills especially with respect to the uses of new technologies and the media. This suggests a new role for educators in helping their students to navigate this globalizing world; in internationalizing their curriculum and pedagogy; and helping their students to reflect and critically understand what it means to be globally informed, aware and compassionate human beings - "citizens of the world."

 

Aims of the Program

Based on this understanding of global interconnectivity and interdependence, this program seeks to assist P-16 educators to incorporate global perspectives into their existing curricula and pedagogies. It is designed to provide them with an opportunity to consider the ways in which globalization affects their work, so that they are better equipped to challenge their students to develop a more transnational outlook. This program is on-line, and offers a range of opportunities for educators to work with educators around the world and apply course theories in practice.

 

 

Background | Program Philosophy | Role of Educators | Aims