UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has taken a significant step to advance global learning opportunities with the development of the EDGE Journey Resource Map, an innovative digital space designed to build capacity for Experiential Digital Global Engagement (EDGE) projects.
Funded by the Penn State-Monash Collaboration seed grant, the project brought together educators, instructional designers, and administrators from both institutions to create a “one-stop-shop” that guides faculty through every stage of their EDGE journey.
What Is the EDGE Journey Resource Map?
Organized into learning paths, the resource map provides educators with practical tools and reflective prompts related to the following key areas:
- Building Partnerships: Guidance on fostering collaborative relationships between faculty across institutions.
- Preparing Students: Strategies to equip students with the skills and mindsets needed for meaningful EDGE collaboration.
- Designing Projects: Resources to create impactful and engaging intercultural learning experiences.
- Leveraging Technology: Insights into selecting and using digital tools effectively to facilitate virtual exchange.
- Assessment: Tools and methods for evaluating student outcomes and program impact.
- Research and Dissemination: Support for faculty to explore scholarly opportunities, identify audiences, and share their findings through conferences and publications.
“The EDGE Journey Resource Map is designed to support faculty wherever they are on their EDGE journey," said Tiffany MacQuarrie, associate director for global academic engagement. "Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, this tool offers valuable resources and guidance to help you create meaningful global learning experiences for your students. It's a welcoming space that encourages exploration and collaboration."
Global impact through collaboration
The EDGE Journey Resource Map is a digital open-access, sustainable space that supports educators in developing, implementing and assessing high-quality EDGE projects.
"The EDGE Journey Resource Map provides educators with actionable strategies for integrating technology effectively within courses and to foster meaningful global connections,” said Amy Kuntz, Teaching and Learning with Technology instructional designer. “The open-access design ensures that faculty across the world can create impactful learning experiences that prepare students for collaboration and success in a globalized world."
Educators and institutions seeking to develop, enhance, assess and research their EDGE projects may find the resource map a vital tool. The EDGE team encourages faculty across disciplines to utilize the journey map and to share it widely within their networks.
Key Contributors
The EDGE Journey Resource Map was created through collaboration of a multidisciplinary team including:
- Jeremy Breaden (associate professor, languages, literatures, cultures and linguistics, Monash University)
- Laura Cruz (research professor, Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence, Penn State)
- Helen Hu (instructional designer, Penn State Teaching and Learning with Technology)
- Amy Kuntz (instructional designer, Penn State Teaching and Learning with Technology)
- Tiffany MacQuarrie (associate director for global academic engagement, Penn State Global)
- Nikki Mattson (teaching professor, applied linguistics, Penn State)
- Nadine Normand-Marconnet (senior lecturer, the Monash Intercultural Lab, Monash University)
- Lucas Moreira dos Anjos Santos (lecturer, the Monash Intercultural Lab, Monash University)
For more information, visit the EDGE Journey Resource Map.