
Portable Intercultural Modules (PIM) are curricular units focused on one or two elements of intercultural competence. They are turnkey solutions that address the needs of instructors and other leaders who don't see themselves as experts in these areas. PIM can be embedded within disciplinary course content, and multiple PIM can be integrated throughout a program of study to support learners' development of intercultural competence more systematically.
CILMAR offers all Portable Intercultural Modules (PIM) through Brightspace and a selection through Moodle and Canvas. Some of the PIM also come with self-directed training to support instructors who wish to use them.
PIM are available in two forms: full PIM, which can be completed in 60-90 minutes (with a few exceptions that ask learners to engage with others or watch a movie), and PIMbits, which offer some of the most in-demand PIM such as Teaming in a series of short units that can be completed in 10-20 minutes each.
Both full PIM and PIMbits
- engage learners with a range of activities, e.g., videos, surveys, quizzes, information gathering, interviews, reflections, etc.
- address and assess learning outcomes drawn from the theoretical frameworks of the AACU Intercultural Knowledge and Competence VALUE Rubric and the AACU Global Learning VALUE Rubric.
- target undergraduate learners but have been used and are also appropriate for adult learners.
- can be modified by adopters in their own Brightspace courses. Modification is not necessary but may be desirable for reasons of discipline and/or to connect PIM content to specific course materials and learning outcomes.
- Full PIM include a capstone (run through Qualtrics for purposes of learning assessment by CILMAR) and optional discussion questions that connect learning outcomes to the course or co-curricular experience and to the learner’s future. Some include options for instructor-led activities.
- PIMbits are organized in series of 4-5 units that culminate in a capstone (run through Qualtrics for purposes of learning assessment by CILMAR). Assigning all PIMbits in a series is the equivalent of assigning one full PIM. For best learning outcomes, the entire series would be assigned; however, each unit can also be used on its own.