GLODEP experiences with digital interaction

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Global Development Policy GLODEP. GLODEP is a two-year joint master program in development studies, with an economic grounding and multidisciplinary perspective. Partner Universities are: Palacky University Olomouc, University of Clermont Auvergne, University of Pavia.

Author: Maria Sassi, University of Pavia. See contributors page

E-learning with the Experts in the Field 

During their semester in Italy, the GLODEP students benefit from the synergies created between the different European projects in which University of Pavia (UNIPV) is a partner. For instance, the GLODEP students were exposed to a new pedagogical approach promoted by the project AgriSCALE called Problem-Based Learning through virtual seminars and activities. The UNIPV-WeWorld student challenge is an example of the opportunities offered by this methodology. It provides the students with a unique digital interactive learning opportunity through the use of multiple online platforms, such as Zoom, Meet, Microsoft Teams, Mentimeter, and Mural. They can constantly collaborate with professionals and students from Europe and Africa. This online interaction is student-centred and provides students with peer-to-peer learning and intercultural exchanges, facilitating critical thinking while solving real cases.

Reinforcing Student Insight and Network

Who could provide better advice to GLODEP students on how to enter the labor market than GLODEP students themselves? The UNIPV team has created an online space for the Alumni to share their experiences to the current students. The online roundtable events usually provide information on the thesis writing and internship stay, complementary courses to GLODEP, considerations for PhD applications, and navigating the job market. Aside from passing on wisdom, the online events also serve as a space for connecting students and alumni and hopefully result in a fruitful network among cohorts.
But is a network among alumni enough? The UNIPV also encourages students to extend their professional network by interacting with the professionals and experts involved in the rich series of seminars offered by the university. Using online tools has made it easier to engage representatives of various organizations that are relevant to the GLODEP program to dedicate their time and contribute to the lessons delivered to the students. To support the matching between labour supply and demand, UNIPV has also designed two online maps to situate Alumni and inform on the profile of the International and Italian Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Ensuring Curriculum Relevance to the Labor Market

GLODEP recognizes that maintaining curriculum relevance entails regular collaboration with the organizations related to the field of work of the program. As such, UNIPV has taken the initiative to disseminate online questionnaires on professional needs to over 250 Italian NGOs regularly. Interestingly, one of the most common feedbacks recommends integrating digital tools in academic courses to create a streaming dialogue between students and local communities. Another NGO foresees digital tools as a standard means in conducting development missions.

A dedicated institution

Within GLODEP, digital interaction is possible thanks to the relevant and constant investment of UNIPV in digital innovation and modernization.

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree GLODEP is an EU-funded program co-managed by three universities located in the Czech Republic, France, and Italy. The Italian partner of the consortium, the University of Pavia (UNIPV), capitalizes on using digital tools to cultivate a learning experience that combines formal knowledge and practical experience to provide an opportunity for students to establish an international professional network. UNIPV also uses online platforms to involve development actors in its educational activities to ensure the relevance of the curriculum currently offered to students.