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Synergy & Systemness: Making the Most of Innovative Technology & Collaboration

Awarded Grant: $9,704

Principal Investigator:

Francesca Cichello, Empire State College

Our 2013 Synergy & Systemness Project was more successful than we had anticipated. Although the construction of the online course presented challenges, especially as related to interdisciplinarity of the course development team, we were ultimately able to develop a highly interactive course. As planned, students were able to work online, synchronously and asynchronously, across campuses and across the world. Small, collaborative workgroups used wiki technology to develop final projects that drew upon learning that took place in Turkey during our field study. In addition to developing subject expertise and more sophisticated insights about global business and economics, for the first time, most students were able to forge personal and professional friendships that give every indication of being long-lasting. Similarly, participating administrators and faculty, developed strong professional connections that have led to the planning of another field study this coming March.

Co-PI’s and Key Partners

Dr. Richard Bonnabeau, Visiting Professor, SUNY Empire State College
Dr. Ender Suvaçi Vice Rector, Research and International Affairs, Anadolu University, Turkey
Dr. Bilge Kagan Ozdemir, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Anadolu University, Turkey
Dr. Phyllis Herdendorf, Professor of Business – MBA program, SUNY Empire State College
Dr. German Zarate-Hoyos, Chair and Associate Professor of Economics, SUNY Cortland
Dr. Özgür Yildirim, Coordinator for International Academic Programs, Faculty of Education, Anadolu University, Turkey
Mary Schlarb, M.P.S., Director of International Programs, SUNY Cortland
Betsy Braun, Curriculum Design Specialist, SUNY Empire State College
Jon Rubin, Director, SUNY COIL Center

Reports and Resources:

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