UF Faculty Department College
Natalie Coers Agricultural Education & Communicaton College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Partner Faculty Department Partner Institution
Karima Khalil School of Technology Cadi Ayyad University
Title:
Cross-cultural Perspectives for Addressing Complex, Global Challenges in Context
Project Description:

A case study regarding aquifers in Florida and Morocco spurred conversation between students regarding water systems challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. Systems mapping provided a visual representation of conversations, and sharing through three synchronous sessions enabled contextual understanding of water usage, needs, and competition for limited natural resources.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Develop systems thinking skills for leadership of complex challenges.
  • Enhance cultural understanding of complex challenges in context.
Participating Countries:
Number of Participants:
13 UF Students; 26 Cadi Ayyad University Students
Discipline:
UF Course Code & Name:
ALS4937 - CALS LI Seminar 2
Project Duration:
3 weeks
Activity Type(s):
Student-to-Student Dialogue
Time allotted to each activity:
Synchronous Activities: 1 hour per week
Individual Work: 1 hour per week
Technology Tools:
Canva Whiteboard
Zoom with breakout rooms
Google Docs shared drive
Sequence of Activities:
  • Icebreaker included sharing personal information (name and major, activity regarding daily water usage)
  • Used breakout rooms each week for discussion on the case study regarding aquifers
  • Collaborative interaction between students to build a systems map focused on aquifers, identifying the recharge inputs to the system and withdrawals.
  • Pre and post reflection activities included a system thinking survey, as well as in-class discussions.