Engineering crossborder collaboration Teresa Geslin teresa geslinminesdouai fr

Engineering cross-border collaboration Teresa Geslin teresa. geslin@mines-douai. fr David Tual david. tual@durham. ac. uk

How it all started • The TANDEM scheme • Existing ERASMUS exchange • First contact and staff visit • Our students

The original plan (2011 -2012) Inspired by Laurent Sémichon’s work First contact by Weekly contact outside class time (via ) Students to record part of the sessions for subsequent use during class time • Cultural/language experience (students to submit blog entries based on their exchange) • •

The obstacles • 2011 -12: - finding time - technical issues (SKYPE not always the best) - the ‘easy option’ (more typing than speaking) - ‘privacy’ → Our solution: ‘synchronising’ classes, using SCOPIA and webcams/microphones. • 2012 -2013: - in class time: technical issues remain (increased? ) - outside class time: time and technical issues

Conclusion / Advice (1) • “unique”, “a special occasion”, “worthwhile”, “comfortable” “not being judged” • Staff noticed improvements in oral skills and confidence • Students mentioned main gains to be improvements of speaking skills and cultural understanding • Students valued the common background and the guidance (tasks) • Internationalisation

Conclusion / Advice (2) • Involve the most motivated students • Have good back-up from IT department • Take time for teachers to meet personally and develop a good working relationship • Contact us if you have questions: Teresa Geslin teresa. geslin@mines-douai. fr David Tual david. tual@durham. ac. uk