ERIC Number: EJ1470769
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Mar
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1745-4999
EISSN: EISSN-1745-4999
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Facilitating Global Virtual Exchange: Insights from a Feminist Perspective
Sandra Healy1; Julie Walaszczyk2; Maria de Lurdes Martins3; Paula Fonseca4; Caroline Buss5; Ariel Rabat2
Research in Comparative and International Education, v20 n1 p69-87 2025
This study examines, through the lens of feminist pedagogy, the reflections of six educators on their teaching practices during and after an international virtual exchange (VE) project. The project involved facilitators in Belgium, Brazil, Japan, and Portugal. Thematic analysis of a focus group discussion and a nine-month email exchange revealed two key themes: "Navigating Contradictory Currents," focused on empowerment, control, and identity, and "Harboring Unity," which explored female bonding and the building of a virtual community. The findings highlight the balance between control and autonomy, and the importance of inclusive approaches, leadership and community building. The study highlights VE's challenges and benefits in promoting access and equity, aligning with SDG4. By integrating Wenger's community of practice framework, the project facilitated professional support networks and collaboration. These insights demonstrate the potential of feminist pedagogical practices to enhance virtual learning environments, fostering critical engagement, self-reflection, and mutual support for transformative educational experiences.
Descriptors: Feminism, International Cooperation, Foreign Countries, Empowerment, Self Concept, Leadership, Communities of Practice, Diversity, Electronic Learning, Cultural Awareness, College Faculty, Teacher Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Belgium; Brazil; Japan; Portugal
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Kyoto Institute of Technology, Japan; 2University of Mons, Belgium; 3Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Portugal; 4Ci&DEI, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Portugal; 5Graduate Study Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Brazil