Research Questions

The overarching research goal for the CGGE Phase 2 project is to understand whether the modules, when used for undergraduate instruction, improve the learning of geography content and international perspectives of global issues. Our research questions include:

1. Do student perspectives toward geography and international collaboration change as a result of using the CGGE modules?

2. What factors are responsible for enhancing students’ awareness and appreciation of international perspectives?

3. Do students acquire new geographic and/or intercultural communication skills from using the CGGE modules?

Beta versions of the CGGE modules will be tested in international classroom trials between August 2009 and December 2010. Information from this research will be used to revise the modules for final publication and dissemination.

Project bibliography

• Higgitt, D., Donert, K., Healey, M., Klein, P., Solem, M., and Vajoczki, S. 2008. Developing and enhancing international collaborative learning. Journal of Geography in Higher Education 32(1): 121-133.
• Klein, P., and Solem, M. 2008. Evaluating the impact of international collaboration on geography learning. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 32(2): 245-267.
• Muniz, O. and Coats, C. 2009. Integrated networks: National and international online experiences. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 10(1): 1-19.
• Ray, W. and Solem, M. 2009. Gauging disciplinary engagement with internationalization: A survey of geographers. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 33(1): 103-121.
• Solem, M.N., Bell, S., Fournier, E., Gillespie, C., Lewitsky, M., and Lockton, H. 2003. Using the Internet to support international collaborations for global geography education. Journal of Geography in Higher Education,27(3): 239-254.
• Solem, M.N. 2002. The Online Center for Global Geography Education. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 11(3): 296-298.