Exploring the attitudes of students undertaking sports degrees towards online international learning

Abstract

There is an increased focus on the internationalisation of the learning experiences of university students 1. One way this can be achieved is through 'virtual internationalisation' 2 , which can be promoted through the use of Online International Learning (OIL) programmes. This article on sport pedagogy investigates the attitudes of sport students to such a programme. Methods: This article uses quantitative and qualitative methods. 63 students completed a survey and wrote reflective reports. Data was collected from a survey of 16 targeted questions addressing the attitudes of students towards the programme. Students also wrote reflective reports on their experiences, allowing for qualitative responses to be analysed. Results: 62% of students surveyed found the internationalised module to have been a worthwhile experience in terms of learning new skills and working with a partner from an institution based in another continent. 65% suggested that they learned skills on the internationalised module they would use again in education and in future employment. Students from European Union countries gave high rates of positive feedback. 100% reported that the module was a worthwhile experience, compared to 60% of UK students and 38% of international students from outside the European Union. Conclusion: 62% of students surveyed stated that they learned new skills, and there was a perceived value to the programme in terms of enhancing employment prospects. Virtual mobilities projects offer a possible method for tutors to give students international experiences, which is important as sport is now a globalised industry.

Digital Learning Platforms: An Integrative Review to Support Internationalization of Higher Education

“…The IaH should receive more attention to support teacher-student collaboration, learning, and professional development (POUROMID, 2019;WIHLBORG et al, 2017). In this context, the potential of so-called virtual internationalization to extend access to an international experience to disadvantaged students becomes important to explore (BASON;MAY;LAFOUNTAINE, 2018;BRUHN, 2018).…”

“…Among the most visible approaches in this area are virtual mobility projects such as COIL, which connects students on campus with colleagues abroad through online exchange programs (BRUHN, 2018;POUROMID, 2019). The strategic use of digital technologies, enhancing collaborative work, offers many benefits to IoHE (BASON;MAY;LAFOUNTAINE, 2018;CANIGLIA et al, 2017;GEMMELL et al, 2015;MITTELMEIER et al, 2017;POUROMID, 2019;WIHLBORG et al, 2017).…”