Teaching and Doing Justice Globally
equalize internet skills among adult learners. Most important, building learning communities is a
priority in distance education for adult learners to build trust as a basis for learning community,
encourage fun and develop leadership skills (Isenberg, 2007).
Priority #3: Cross-Cultural Learning
Since its inception, SLD has focused on creating opportunities to engage cross-culturally.
The goals of SLD’s cross-cultural learning approach are to realize enhanced learning and
capacity building and to create global citizens committed to transforming poverty and
collaborative strategies for international development. These goals are consistent with priorities
outlined for global education by various international academic associations and the United
Nations.
In a joint report (2004), the American Council on Education, Council for Higher
Education, International Association of Universities and Association of Universities and
Colleges of Canada called for North American higher education institutions to share educational
opportunities across borders –
1. To increase professional expertise in the developing world;
2. To develop economic, social and cultural well-being in impoverished
communities; and,
3. To promote global equity.
Further, SLD has employed various strategies to advance cross-cultural learning,
including engaging NGO partners World Vision and Habitat for Humanity to target resources to
support education for working adults and especially women in developing countries, partnering
with educational institutions in the two-thirds world and utilizing distance education technology
to make graduate programs accessible and affordable for students globally. These strategies,
11
Convention