Congratulations to Professors Megan Mocko and Swapna Kumar on their recent publication!
Professor Megan Mocko of the University of Florida’s Department of Information Systems and Office Management developed a virtual exchange project with the University of Newcastle (UK). This project introduced undergraduate statistics students to global conversations about data ethics. As part of a second‑semester introduction to statistics course, UF students collaborated with their UK peers through two shared activities on the Flip video platform, including a variation of the OkCupid Data Activity.
Professor Mocko and her colleague, Professor Swapna Kumar of the College of Education, used reflective prompts aligned with the American Association of Colleges and Universities’ (AAC&U) rubrics for Intercultural Knowledge & Competence and Global Learning, to analyze how students described their virtual exchange experiences. Findings showed that students demonstrated cultural self‑awareness, openness, and curiosity as they engaged with peers abroad. However, they did not reflect on multiple perspectives about data ethics as initially anticipated. Their work highlights the importance of preparing statistics students not only to use data responsibly but also to discuss ethical issues in a global setting.