A Cross-Institutional Ethnographic Project: Mapping Play in Intercultural Communities

Abstract

Curricula content and structure that encourages interdisciplinary learning, inter-level organization, cross-institutional study supports innovation and inspires new ideas about curricular design in higher education. The purpose of this article is to discuss a collaborative effort of two classes on different campuses to map play in the culturally diverse Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of the Twin Cities. Using technology to create geospatially situated digital visual stories about play was an effective mechanism for facilitating interdisciplinary learning, ethics, learner autonomy and dialogue. Cross-institutional pedagogical strategies shifted as we adjusted to the realities of the physical space, weather conditions, ethical and intercultural considerations.