The original FIPSE planning grant (1997-1998) provided an opportunity to follow through on prior research between Harold Washington College (HWC) and a group of higher educational institutions in the UK. To broaden the opportunity for a more culturally diverse educational experience, the number of partner colleges was expanded during the planning year to include students and faculty from Neils Brock Business College in Denmark and South Carelia Polytechnial Institute in Finland.

The first year of project activities (98/99) involved the partners' undertaking mapping work on the relevant curriculum in the American Associate Degree and EC-based Vocational qualifications.

During year two of the project, curriculum mapping between San Diego City College and Niels Brock Institute was completed. As a result, students from San Diego and Niels Brock can now attend their partner college and earn credits towards the International Business Certificate.

In May 2000, the first group of 25 dual degree "Fast Track Articulation" students from City College Birmingham graduated from Harold Washington College with an Associate degree and a diploma from City College Birmingham. Since then 38 British students have graduated fom the dual associate degree "Fast Track Articulation" program.

It was anticipated that year three would provide expanded opportunity for student travel and completion of a shared online course development project. Due to changes in student availability for out-of-country travel and faculty illness, a request was granted for a one-year extension of the grant. The additional time has allowed for completion of mapping activities for a shared online course in environmental art. Blackboard Inc., the course management system which provides the platform for the online course development is providing the vehicle through which students can communicate and collaborate on their projects. This course will fulfill associate degree requirements for all participating colleges. Shared lectures from partner colleges will unify the course content and prepare students for travel to Finland in June 2002 to participate in an annual Public Art Forum in Imatra. The online course is flexible and will permit students to develop individual art projects, which will be presented at the Art Forum and fulfill degree requirements. Additionally, as part of our visiting lecture series, Professor Dennisuk from Finland will visit Harold Washington College and provide several lectures via teleconferencing to our partner institutions.

ONLINE REFERENCE: 

Pamela Lattimore
Project Director
U.S. Lead

Harold Washington College
30 East Lake Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Tel: 312-553-5980
Fax: 312-553-5987

Anne Devany
European Lead

City Colleges Birmingham
  (Handsworth)
Soho Road Handsworth
Birmingham
United Kingdom
Tel: 0121 256 1022
Fax: 0121 523 4447