Using service-learning and global virtual team projects to integrate sustainability into the technical communication curriculum

Technical communication students need to be prepared to address issues of sustainability in their professional careers and in their personal lives as concerned global citizens. Sustainability is truly a global issue; environmental concerns do not stop at national borders. In order to address complex global issues like sustainability, technical communication students need to develop global competency. The skill set associated with global competency includes knowledge of intercultural communication, respect for cultural differences, and awareness of the complex and interdependent nature of the world. Globally competent individuals are aware of the relationship between global and local events. Service-learning and global virtual team projects are effective means for facilitating the development of global competency in students. This paper describes specific projects and assignments that can be used to integrate sustainability issues into the curriculum and discusses the benefits of such projects to students, faculty, and the community.