Virtual Exchange Training

The Virtual Exchange Training application is now closed. Please check back for updates on the next program offering.

This training program helps faculty design and incorporate virtual international content and communication activities into existing courses. Through virtual exchange, faculty can connect their UF classes with students and faculty abroad to collaborate on assignments, acquire global perspectives on a given discipline, and develop international collaborative skills.

Virtual Exchange Training Details

Please see the table below for more information on what will be covered in the training. View the.

Training Content
Module 1 Introduction to Virtual Exchange	Types of virtual exchanges. Common challenges implementing virtual exchanges Using Zoom to attend and participate in an online synchronous session
Module 2 Navigating Intercultural Collaborations	Scheduling synchronous sessions while accounting for time zones Creating strategies to encourage students to examine and develop their international collaborative skills Identify resources to find a VE partner and traits that make two partners compatible
Module 3 Designing a Virtual Exchange: Task Design	Develop a Virtual Exchange outline using course design principles Applying telecollaborative task design theory to virtual exchange using the typology of 12 different types of tasks and task sequences identified by O’Dowd and Waire. Recognizing the elements of measurable student learning objectives
Module 4 Utilizing Technology Effectively	List of tools to enhance virtual exchange Analyzing technological needs Self-assessing readiness to use new technology
Module 5 Implementing VE at UF: Final Projects	Developing a virtual exchange lesson plan Presenting a virtual exchange project targeting a specific audience (e.g. students, potential partners, colleagues, administrators). Identifying procedures and requirements for implementing virtual exchange at the University of Florida. Identifying resources and services at UF that will assist in the development of virtual exchanges.

Eligibility

Faculty and staff with educational responsibilities

Mode

Online training with some synchronous sessions. Training takes 1.5 hours per week of independent work plus 1.5 hours of synchronous online interaction with facilitators, other course participants, and/or international partners.

Deliverable

Proposal for a virtual exchange module to be implemented within 2 semesters

Award

All participants will receive a digital badge upon completion of the program. UF Faculty will receive $500 in professional development funds pending budgetary approval. This training counts for 500 miles toward the Global Teaching and Learning Certificate.

Duration

15-hour online training, taking place over six weeks

Important Dates

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Course Orientation: September 8-11, 2026
Program Dates: September 14 - October 23, 2026

Requirements

Complete the Virtual Exchange Training Application Form.

Questions

Office of Global Learning, Carrie Martins – cmartins@ufic.ufl.edu