10 November 2022 Volume :10 Issue :51

UKZN Academic Hosts Global Classroom Webinar

Global Classroom webinar participants.

Professor Mariam Seedat-Khan, a Clinical Sociologist, and Dr Jayanathan Govender from the School of Social Sciences, recently hosted a virtual Global Classroom for students in collaboration with international partners as well as Taylor University (Malaysia) and Toyo University (Japan) to examine social issues and clinical interventions intersecting culture, education barriers, Deaf and hearing communities and inclusion and diversity.

The event brought together students and academics across cultures to learn, engage and collaborate over four weeks. As part of the global classroom, students and professors worked together to design the experience, with activities ultimately becoming part of the class. This allowed all students to have an intercultural experience within their curriculum.

South African, Malaysian and Japanese students were required to analyse the cultural contexts within their respective countries. The collaboration plan included an International Collaborative Workshop delivered to the Deaf community in all three countries. This promoted intercontinental student networks, creating inter-institutional student groups and offering students autoethnographic narratives on diverse cultures.

In addition to identifying similarities, barriers, and Deaf awareness, the course also developed content and materials for interventions.

Seedat-Khan believes that national and international co-operation will enhance the global standards of academics, facilitators, and students. It will also promote inter-continental student networks and establish student partnerships between Japan, Malaysia, and South Africa.

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Image: Supplied

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