Globally Networked Learning (GNL) refers to an approach to research, learning, and teaching that enables students, faculty, and non-academic researchers from different locations around the world using digital technology to collaborate on projects that bring together the diverse perspectives of participants to produce a richer, more nuanced, understanding of the issue(s) at hand. A GNL project might entail or produce cross-cultural discussion on a particular course concept, a joint lecture over multiple time zones, a shared assignment, or a collaborative research project, among other possibilities.
Faculty can develop their own GNL activities using existing contacts and networks, or they can reach out to York International’s program and GNL consultants for matching with one of 300+ global partners. Resources and support are also provided through the Teaching Commons.
Faculty of Health Globally Networked Learning (GNL) Courses
Community Health and Nursing with Hong Kong Baptist University
Dr. Roya Haghiri-Vijeh, MN, PhD
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
Professor Roya Haghiri-Vijeh brought an innovative twist to her Nursing Community Health course by incorporating Global Networked Learning (GNL) in partnership with Hong Kong Baptist University. This dynamic course enables students to develop knowledge and skills while partnering with communities to address health inequities. It integrates knowledge of population health, primary health care, community development, critical health promotion, social determinants of health and CHNC standards of practice.
Professor Haghiri-Vijeh integrated GNL by having students from York University and Hong Kong Baptist University work together and reflect on their learning experiences after engaging in an open-access virtual simulation, where they learn how to provide responsive and affirming healthcare for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities through a social justice and equity lens.
Professor Haghiri-Vijeh shares that reading her students’ reflections “was just phenomenal.” They addressed their assumptions and reflected on “how we need to be mindful of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities when we partner with them to provide affirming health care,” and recognized that “while this content is taught at Universities, there is still cisnormativity and heteronormativity upheld within the community and society at large.”
Professor Haghiri-Vijeh shares that while embedding GNL is challenging, she encourages all faculty to try it out. She says that “there is so much we can say about being a global citizen but being engaged in this type of work is what makes the difference.”
Health of Families & Social Groups with Mansa Memorial Hospital
Faith Root, RN, MA
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
Professor Faith Root has creatively incorporated Globally Networked Learning (GNL) in her teaching as a component of a broader partnership with Mansa Memorial Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana.
As part of this broader exchange, Professor Root offered a course titled “Health of Families and Social Groups” for interested nurses and midwives at Mansa. This comprehensive course focused on maternal and perinatal health, and local co-instructors at Mansa provided on-site teaching, ensuring relevance to the Ghanaian healthcare context. Professor Root considers this collaboration a “community of practice” more than a course offering: “this course became a platform for exchanging knowledge across borders, highlighting both universal and unique aspects of healthcare practices.”
Professor Root emphasizes the importance of being able to “think globally and act locally” within the Nursing profession, especially considering the importance of social determinants of health. As part of the partnership, Professor Root will bring undergraduate Nursing students from York University to Mansa for a three-week clinical practicum, furthering learning exchange between these institutions. This collaboration exemplifies the potential of global education to enhance professional skills and promote interdisciplinary teamwork.
Get involved in Globally Networked Learning
Have ideas for a GNL Page? Visit the YorkU International GNL Page.