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
Social Justice Nursing Course with Oxford Brookes University in England
Dr. Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, RN, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Nursing
Connecting doctoral students from York University with counterparts at the School of Nursing at Oxford Brookes University in England, professor Cheryl van Daalen-Smith embedded Globally Networked Learning (GNL) within her doctoral level Social Justice Nursing elective. According to Dr. Van Daalen-Smith, “through shared readings and participation in cross-classroom meetings, students actively engaged in lively course-related discussions, delving into the varied roles nurses assume across different countries and the diverse advocacy efforts concerning issues of social justice and health equity”. GNL broadens students' comprehension of course content, enabling them to explore broader applications of the given content that extends beyond the confines of Canadian perspectives. “When speaking with other professors, I often emphasize that integrating a GNL component into their course doesn't need to be extensive. Even a small inclusion can offer students a valuable global perspective that widens their learning horizons. Many students in this course expressed a desire for more GNL time within the course due to the substantial impact it had on their understanding of course concepts”.
Health of Families and Social Groups with Mansa Memorial Hospital in Ghana
Faith Root, RN, MA
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
Professor Faith Root has 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, she offered a course titled “Health of Families and Social Groups” for interested nurses and midwives at Mansa. This innovative partnership focused on maternal and perinatal health. It was based on a comprehensive York University undergraduate course, and it covered preconception care, high-risk pregnancies, labor, delivery, and postpartum health. Local co-instructors at Mansa provided additional on-site teaching, ensuring relevance to the Ghanaian healthcare context. Professor Root considers this GNL collaboration a “community of practice,” more than a course offering. Knowledge was exchanged bidirectionally, participants shared their experiences and everyone learned collaboratively. 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. According to Professor Root, “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. Supported by York University’s GNL initiative, this collaboration exemplifies the potential of global education to enhance professional skills, promote interdisciplinary teamwork, and contribute to work towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Professor Root shared enthusiasm about possibly integrating undergraduate Nursing students from York University into this GNL initiative.
Social Justice Nursing Course with Oxford Brookes University in England
Dr. Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, RN, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Nursing
Connecting doctoral students from York University with counterparts at the School of Nursing at Oxford Brookes University in England, professor Cheryl van Daalen-Smith embedded Globally Networked Learning (GNL) within her doctoral level Social Justice Nursing elective.
According to Dr. Van Daalen-Smith, “through shared readings and participation in cross-classroom meetings, students actively engaged in lively course-related discussions, delving into the varied roles nurses assume across different countries and the diverse advocacy efforts concerning issues of social justice and health equity”. GNL broadens students' comprehension of course content, enabling them to explore broader applications of the given content that extends beyond the confines of Canadian perspectives. “When speaking with other professors, I often emphasize that integrating a GNL component into their course doesn't need to be extensive. Even a small inclusion can offer students a valuable global perspective that widens their learning horizons. Many students in this course expressed a desire for more GNL time within the course due to the substantial impact it had on their understanding of course concepts”.
Social Justice Nursing Course with Oxford Brookes University in England
Dr. Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, RN, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Nursing
Connecting doctoral students from York University with counterparts at the School of Nursing at Oxford Brookes University in England, professor Cheryl van Daalen-Smith embedded Globally Networked Learning (GNL) within her doctoral level Social Justice Nursing elective.
According to Dr. Van Daalen-Smith, “through shared readings and participation in cross-classroom meetings, students actively engaged in lively course-related discussions, delving into the varied roles nurses assume across different countries and the diverse advocacy efforts concerning issues of social justice and health equity”. GNL broadens students' comprehension of course content, enabling them to explore broader applications of the given content that extends beyond the confines of Canadian perspectives. “When speaking with other professors, I often emphasize that integrating a GNL component into their course doesn't need to be extensive. Even a small inclusion can offer students a valuable global perspective that widens their learning horizons. Many students in this course expressed a desire for more GNL time within the course due to he substantial impact it had on their understanding of course concepts”.
Get involved in Globally Networked Learning
Have ideas for a GNL Page? Visit the YorkU International GNL Page.