An Online Global Learning Activity to Enhance Underrepresented Community College STEM Students’ Career Competencies and Chemistry Engagement: Water Testing in New York City and Jordan

The joint virtual global learning activity brought together college students from Jordan and New York City to learn about United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) #6 and explore the issues of water pollution and drinking water quality in both regions. The activity involved undergraduate students from Guttman Community College and Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). The students worked in binational collaborative learning groups, collected field data on drinking water quality, and presented their findings and policy recommendations at a virtual international student conference. The learning outcomes were evaluated through assignments ranging from literary analyses to laboratory reports and a survey gauging the impact on various dimensions of students' learning. The majority of students reported positive experiences including improved communication skills, collaboration skills, openness to different perspectives, analytical skills, better laboratory report writing, and an overall understanding of global water quality issues. The activity also helped students understand the importance of learning chemistry in real-life contexts. However, some students faced challenges with language barriers and scheduling conflicts. Despite these limitations, the activity positively influenced students' career readiness competencies and engagement in chemistry. Overall, the virtual exchange activity provided valuable insights into water quality issues and facilitated meaningful international collaboration.