Internationalizing the Classroom Through Virtual Reality Exchange Programs
摘要
Internationalization of Higher Education in Morocco is a strategic goal. The 2015–2030 Strategic Plan seeks to improve the quality of education and to boost the competitiveness of national universities. In this regard, Virtual Tabadul is a multi-institutional virtual exchange program embedded in virtual reality (VR) for English and Arabic foreign language learning. The program involves U.S., Algerian, and Moroccan educators, researchers, and scientists who worked together to create a unique experience. The present chapter describes how we have collaborated across disciplinary, cultural, and intra- and inter-institutional contexts to develop the VR scenes and curricula. We also detail how we have overcome significant hurdles and navigated partnership dynamics for the purpose of promoting a scalable and sustainable virtual exchange program. our aim is to provide a rich description of our experience designing and developing this program to help those working at the pedagogical and technological edges of virtual exchange to bridge obstacles to innovation.