From Lockdown Screens to Malaysia | Academic Newsletter | Seneca Polytechnic

by Rania Nafea, School of Human Resource and Global Business

in the March 2021 issue

Teaching a course on innovation as part of the Honours Bachelor of Commerce program is a constant challenge. Theories on creative destruction, global megatrends, and disruptive innovation are challenging to put into practice when you’re sitting in front of a computer, unable to experience the world around you. Yet, this winter, my students were able to embark on a novel learning endeavor with a small cohort of MBA students in Malaysia, who were also in lockdown themselves. Dr. Karling Lee, Associate Professor at INTI University in Malaysia, and I felt that it would be a great learning journey for both sides.

Accordingly, we designed a two-week collaboration initiative. To avert any confusion, we presented students with a detailed instruction sheet, elaborate rubric, and comprehensive slide deck to be used as a guide for their presentations. Yet, we gave them the freedom to choose their preferred topics and colleagues. Groups were formed between Seneca and INTI students to examine the following theme: Innovations used by Small- and Medium-sized Businesses. Students were tasked with researching the topic according to the guidelines and providing case studies to support their innovations.

The results were terrific!! Topics such as business model canvas, website flipping, green human resource management, and the infinite game mindset were prepared with detail and professionalism. Not only did students excel in collaborating with one another, but also recorded presentations with the utmost creativity using Spark, PowerPoint, and Prezi.

Students were left to manage the collaboration process on their own, despite the 13-hour time zone difference. To document the experience, students have been tasked with compiling a blog to address their thoughts.

Despite everyone’s frustration and feelings of isolation, collaborating across cultures was a joyful experience as students connected with one another for two weeks. They were thrilled as we commented on each other’s workplace pictures on Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, as well as Savio’s haircut, and the antiquated wedding picture that was visible on the wall behind me. For the first time in a while, students felt that they were not alone!

View the March 2021 issue of the Academic Newsletter.