Global Learning | Wichita State University

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Dr. Glyn Rimmington

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Dear Friend,

During human evolutionary history, we started as nomads and as we discovered how to cultivate crops, we settled down into more permanent communities. These agglomerated into larger and larger groups, eventually becoming nations or even federations of nations, as we now know them. As available land area and other resources became insufficient to serve these large groupings, so we used land and sea exploration to find new lands to colonize. Thus, the first wave of globalization occurred, as people moved with increasing degrees of freedom between different cultural groups. Now, with the advent of the Internet and inexpensive air travel, we are amidst a second wave of globalization. At a physical level and at an intellectual level, we are reverting to nomadism. The new-age nomad, the global citizen, is highly adept at establishing and maintaining relationships with people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Just as the “culturists” supplanted nomads, these electronic neonomads are now challenging the status quo.

An important enabling mechanism of neonomadism is a new type of education, namely global learning. Global learning is set to replace the limiting framework of the monocultural nation state with its desire for homogenization. We are at an early stage with this process, but its progression is inevitable. Just as biodiversity is essential for the survival of life, cultural diversity and our ability to travel within it, is vital for the endurance and progress of humankind. But, how can we accelerate the process of global learning in meaningful and enriching ways? What is global learning exactly? What role does technology play in global learning?

Global learning is defined as the combination of global reach and global perspectives to educate a global citizen. Modern communication technologies, such as Web-based course management systems and Internet-based videoconferencing, provide students and faculty from around the world with the global reach that they need to interact. Global perspectives are the essential ingredients for success in neonomadism and ultimately our continued survival. They arise when we interact with learners living in other countries and cultures. Through this experience, the global graduate develops a high level of understanding of and regard, honor and respect for people of other cultures.

We need your support for this important initiative at Wichita State University so we can educate the future global citizens and leaders of the world. You may choose to help with cash contributions, with in-kind support in the form of equipment or services or through volunteerism and promotion of Global Learning. Whichever, you choose, remember:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead.

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Global Learning. Wichita State University.1845 N. Fairmount, Wichita, Kansas, 67260. Phone: (316) 978-5355