Urban Geography Consultancy

​​Project summary:

• In this interactive urban development virtual exchange project,  students compared perspectives in urbanization and urban processes between Chicago (USA) and Groningen (The Netherlands). DePaul students were asked to complete two simultaneous videochats, three short essays, and make comments on work produced by the Dutch students. Students were divided into eight groups. Most of the Dutch students had never been to Chicago before, and they were developing study plans for research projects that they later conducted during their Study Abroad visit to Chicago. The DePaul students acted as local consultants on these projects, giving advice about good places to visit, what to see, and, of course, travel by CTA! The intention of this partnership was that DePaul students engage directly with the Dutch students to share knowledge of Chicago and its urban development.

Project length:

• 8 weeks

Technology tools used:

• Email 
• Blackboard Collaboration

Interaction Mode:

• Synchronous
• Asynchronous

Learning outcomes:

• Students deepened their knowledge of urbanization and urban processes in a comparative perspective.
• Students enhanced their understanding of the research process, and how to devise, revise and develop a research proposal.
  
• Students facilitated cross-cultural understanding and intercultural awareness.
  

Reflection component:

• Final written reflection on similarities and differences between the two groups of students and their environments, as well as self-reflections. Detailed reflection prompts were provided to the students.

Photos:

GLE students exploring Pilsen (Chicago, IL).

 

Euan Hague

Institution: DePaul University
Discipline: Geography
Course name: Urbanization

Peter Groote

Institution: University of Groningen
Discipline: Spatial Sciences
Course name: Fieldwork Abroad