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The VCU Global Education Office offers two new digital microcredentials – VCU News

The VCU Global Education Office offers two new digital microcredentials – VCU News

 


By Amelia Heymann

“The digital badge now being offered through the Office of Global Education is another example of 'internationalization at home' and is an innovative global initiative that benefits the entire VCU community,” said. Jill Blondin, Ph.D., associate vice provost for global initiatives. “The knowledge gained through Global Area training not only enhances professional development, but also equips faculty and staff members to serve our international student community.”

The Global Area Badge, which is aimed at university faculty and staff, teaches them how to best serve VCU's international student population. The program comes with a sticker, similar to VCU Safe Zone Trainingas visual cues can make international students feel more comfortable about the training the recipient received, according to Sarah Carrier, associate director of global learning.

“We do a basic intercultural communication training as part of that cultural theory, as well as examine scenarios that come up quite often during work, teaching. [and] advising international students on campus,” she said.

The Peace Corps Prep Badge is tailored for students. GEO, which offers the certification in collaboration with the Peace Corps, is seeing growing interest in the program.

Stephanie Tignor, director of global learning, said the badge training can benefit students even if they don't intend to join the Peace Corps, as the instruction emphasizes experiences that reflect a more globalized world.

“A program like Peace Corps training … also engages students in community service [and] engages them with local organizations, which helps create connections for them that can open doors for their futures,” Tignor said.

She added that as virtual training expands, both microcredentials create greater awareness of GEO services — and that seeing the Global Zone symbol online had already sparked interest in that program. But staff are keen to offer their expertise beyond the badge.

“We have people willing to help beyond just the Global Zone training — we're a resource,” Tignor said.

And Carrier said that for educators and students, the badges provide a way to show their commitment to individual development.

“We definitely know from faculty and staff that it was something they were interested in, and I've had some students say, 'It's great that I can have that on my LinkedIn,'” she said. “It was just another way for us to recognize those skills for people who participate in our programs.”

For more information on GEO initiatives, visit the office Web page or email [email protected].