In an attempt to personalize the communication, postings include a small passport photo next to the student's name. The overall reaction to the course was positive, according to Berman. It helped us to rethink how students learn from one another so that we can continue to improve. Although Berman reported few difficulties involving the students in conversation, the online discussion system still has some kinks. It's jarring having 20 people trying to comment on everyone else's comments.
Ideas become obsolete very quickly in a chat.
I wish that the professor would home in on one idea and be careful not to go off with others. Unlike students in typical literature classes, the students focused their discussions on how a work pertains specifically to cultural topics. They then explored these topics through observation and research in their overseas environments. It is not meant for a class where students are just led through the material. The second half of the course included group research encouraging students to explore and compare their host country's public libraries, schools, theaters and television.