Wrap-Up: CoP – ITL Keeps Its Community Humming

By Vienne Lin

Some people might think of CoP – ITL simply as another community of practice. But this cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary project actually makes it possible for teachers to learn from exemplars and try them out by themselves and for field-specific experts to advance their already-rich platters of practices.

If you wonder what CoP – ITL literally does, I would say our roles are similar to those of bees except the fact that CoP – ITL is guided by HKU’s 3+1Is vision for 2016-2025 to promote internationalisation alongside interdisciplinarity and innovation and to make a positive and tangible impact on society.

Similar to bees which transfer pollen from one flower to another, CoP – ITL also plays the role of a middleman who collects exemplary practices from teachers of varying disciplines and delivers them to the community members. Once the flower is pollinated, it will grow seeds and fruit. But the story does not stop there. In order for plants to be successful, they have to disperse their seeds. And now, our nature’s tiny workers need to dive right in again and get the seeds around.

So does CoP – ITL. With all kinds of resources, be they join-the-conversation events, workshops, seminars, briefings or case examples, CoP – ITL hopes to watch its members grow. The community may learn more about what internationalisation of teaching and learning means; may further come up with a plan of how to put it into real practice; or may refine their already well-designed courses or programmes from the vantage point of an insider. And then, CoP – ITL will provide members with funding opportunities to pilot their teaching and learning proposals.

You might think, ‘but wait – how can I proceed to take on a pilot project?’ Good question! Dr. Tracy Zou is going to tell you more about CoP – ITL and the members’ only funding opportunities in our inaugural Join-the-Conversation event. We look forward to seeing you.