Educational Mobilities and Internationalised Higher Education: Critical Perspectives

Transnational education and online learning have increased in higher education, but the challenge of pursuing social justice in the face of global expansion should not be underestimated. This book explores how the agency of teachers, other staff, and students is mediated by experiences of inclusion and exclusion, and how mobility often throws up situations where privileges are accompanied by distressing challenges. It will be of interest to researchers and advanced students of education, politics, sociology, human geography, and social work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 26 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Higher education is becoming increasingly transnational, crossing national, linguistic, and cultural boundaries. Recent years have seen a significant expansion in transnational education and online learning, with students, academic staff, educational programs, and institutions becoming increasingly mobile. This expansion is often seen in positive terms, with economic growth as the primary objective. However, the challenge of pursuing social justice in the face of such global expansion should not be underestimated. This book critically examines the uncertainties associated with internationalized higher education. It explores how the agency of teachers, other staff members, and students is mediated by experiences of inclusion and exclusion. Physical or virtual movement around the globe may have become more straightforward, but intercultural relations in classrooms remain complex. Challenges can arise when students pursue concerns, projects, and practices in unfamiliar cultural settings, or when agency crosses over multiple cultural systems. Mobility also often brings with it situations where privileges are accompanied by distressing challenges. The book unravels the implications of these issues for teaching in higher education, making it valuable for researchers and advanced students in education, politics, sociology, human geography, and social work.

Introduction:
Higher education is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing globalization of society. This transformation is characterized by the crossing of national, linguistic, and cultural boundaries, leading to the emergence of transnational education and online learning. Students, academic staff, educational programs, and institutions are all becoming increasingly mobile, blurring the lines between different regions and cultures. While this expansion is often seen in positive terms, with economic growth as the primary objective, it also presents challenges that require careful consideration.

Expansion of Transnational Education and Online Learning:
The recent years have witnessed a significant expansion in transnational education and online learning. This has been facilitated by advancements in technology, which have made it easier for students and academic staff to access educational resources from anywhere in the world. As a result, students can now enroll in courses and programs offered by institutions located in different countries, while academic staff can collaborate on research projects and teaching activities across borders.

Benefits of Transnational Education and Online Learning:
There are several benefits associated with transnational education and online learning. Firstly, it provides students with access to a wider range of educational opportunities, enabling them to pursue their academic goals and expand their horizons. Secondly, it promotes cultural exchange and understanding, as students from different backgrounds come together to learn and interact. Thirdly, it enables academic staff to collaborate and share expertise, leading to the development of innovative teaching methods and research projects.

Challenges of Transnational Education and Online Learning:
However, the expansion of transnational education and online learning also presents several challenges. One of the primary challenges is the need to ensure quality and accessibility of education. While technology has made it easier for students to access educational resources, it has also created barriers to participation, such as language barriers, lack of access to technology, and financial constraints. Moreover, the quality of education offered by different institutions can vary widely, making it difficult for students to make informed decisions about their education.

Pursuing Social Justice in the Face of Global Expansion:
Another challenge is the pursuit of social justice in the face of global expansion. As higher education becomes increasingly internationalized, it is important to ensure that all students have access to quality education and that their voices are heard. However, there are often disparities in access to education, particularly among marginalized communities and developing countries.

The Role of Teachers and Other Staff Members:
Teachers and other staff members play a crucial role in promoting social justice in transnational education and online learning. They can create inclusive learning environments that promote cultural exchange and understanding, and they can advocate for policies that promote equity and diversity. Moreover, they can provide support and guidance to students who may be facing challenges in their academic and personal lives.

The Agency of Students:
Students also have a significant role to play in promoting social justice in transnational education and online learning. They can advocate for their rights and interests, participate in decision-making processes, and engage in community-building activities. Moreover, they can use their knowledge and skills to address social and environmental issues in their communities and beyond.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, higher education is increasingly transnational, crossing national, linguistic, and cultural boundaries. While this expansion brings with it many benefits, it also presents challenges that require careful consideration. The pursuit of social justice in the face of global expansion is crucial, and it is essential to ensure that all students have access to quality education and that their voices are heard. Teachers and other staff members play a critical role in promoting social justice, while students can use their knowledge and skills to address social and environmental issues. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable higher education system that benefits everyone.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032415437