During the 2012 NAFSA Conference and Expo, the GoAbroad Team was pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 Innovation Awards. As part of a continued effort to recognize the hard work and dedication this year’s nominees, GoAbroad will be sharing individual features of the 2012 GoAbroad Innovation Awards finalists over the coming weeks. This week, we are thrilled to bring you the Innovative Use of Technology finalists!
Please join us in congratulating the following Finalist of the Innovative Use of Technology Award:
University of South Carolina
“Online Pre-departure Orientation”
Using the Articulate e-learning software package, the University of South Carolina Study Abroad Office has developed and implemented an Online Pre-departure Orientation as part of the mandatory pre-departure process for all USC study abroad students. The goal of the Online Orientation is to provide students with the key logistical information they need in a flexible, efficient, and intentional manner. USC’s Online Orientation has been recognized as a “best practice” in the “Standards of Good Practice Toolbox” for the Forum of Education Abroad, and is utilized to help over 1,000 students comprehend the study abroad process each year.
The Online Orientation is particularly effective because it delivers important information in multiple ways, with video content, photos, and text. By covering procedural details and policy logistics during the Online Orientation, advisors can focus more deeply on practical tips, safety issues, and the cultural adjustment process during USC’s In-person Orientation, the second mandatory component of the pre-departure process.