pICT 2006 Faculty Fellowship:pICT 2006 Faculty Fellowship:Project ImplementationProject Implementation

Vinod SasidharanDepartment of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism

Course Information REC 404: Cross-Cultural Perspectives

of Tourism Concepts, definitions, and measures of

essential cultural components of tourism. Integrated view of interrelated socio-cultural tourism issues with an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures

GE, Explorations, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Cultural Diversity Course

Technological InnovationWebQuest

Close Encounters at Mato TipilaPurpose

Understand differing cultural perspectives of real-life conflicts in relation to the use of tourism and recreation resources

Based on current controversy surrounding the use of a National Monument, i.e., Devils Tower National Monument (or Mato Tipila), Wyoming

Learning Activities In-class and out-of-class group-work

Cooperative/jigsaw learning In-class and out-of-class teamwork

Locating, gathering, distributing, and evaluating electronic and print information sources

Group/team engagement using BlackBoard On-line assignments Discussions and data-sharing

Collaborative writing Conflict resolution recommendations Final paper Group/team presentation of findings

Student Role Groups of 5 members each

Each student plays role of one of five stakeholders Five stakeholders

Native American resident Euro-American resident Rock-climber/tourist Federal employee (National Park Service) Special interest representative (e.g., Sierra Club)

Analyse problem by applying cross-cultural concepts

Joint recommendation regarding possible solutions

Instructor Role Provide collection of reference materials

within WebQuest Journal articles, books, case laws, websites,

videos, print- and non-print-media On-line and print media

Provide WebQuest consultations Evaluate student deliverables and presentation using rubric

Learning Outcomes Synthesize concepts relating to cross-

cultural behavior through group work Simulate and interpret cultural

differences through role-play Generate and summarize understanding

of cross-cultural differences in individual/group behaviors

Contextualize and validate cross-cultural differences in individual/group behaviors

Benefits of WebQuestSupports a problem-based

learning paradigmFacilitates scaffolding of activities

jigsaw learning role-playing on-line collaboration

Serves as platform for incorporating communication technology