Innovative Strategies for Global Education and Assessment

Dr. Eric A. Canny, Assistant Teaching Professor of Education, University of Southern California

Eric’s Key Experiences and Milestones

My career journey began as an artist, where I explored how visual storytelling can communicate complex social themes and influence audiences in meaningful ways. This experience showed me how art can act as a powerful tool for change, helping to shift perspectives and encourage critical reflection. Transitioning into global education allowed me to take on leadership roles in international programs, where I built intercultural partnerships and worked on bridging academic and cultural gaps. This phase of my career reinforced the importance of adaptable frameworks, cultural understanding and collaboration. Now, as a faculty member focused on organizational change, I combine these experiences at USC to help students develop resilient, adaptive strategies for navigating today’s dynamic environments.

Developing Education Programs on Global Awareness and Multilayered Assessments

When designing education programs with a focus on global awareness, I prioritize experiential learning, inclusivity and adaptability. These elements are rooted in my belief that students should connect personally with global issues. By encouraging creative exploration, self-reflection and community-based engagement, students can engage deeply with topics like identity, community and justice. In my global education work, I saw the value of integrating diverse perspectives from cultural, economic and political dimensions, allowing students to understand complex issues from multiple angles. This approach is reinforced through multilayered assessments—such as projects, peer reviews and reflective essays—which encourage students to showcase their learning in diverse ways, enhancing critical thinking and their overall understanding of global contexts.

“Simulations and interactive case studies offer nuanced, longitudinal assessments that capture learning in real time, providing more accurate view of students’ evolving and understanding, helping them connect theoretical knowledge to practical, organizational contexts.”

Implementing New Programs in Educational Settings

Resistance to change is a natural and even valuable part of growth in educational settings. Early in my career, I learned that introducing new ideas can challenge established norms and provoke meaningful dialogue. This experience taught me that change, while often met with hesitation, can also inspire creativity and new perspectives. In global education, resistance frequently stemmed from concerns about workload and relevance as every program I worked with underwent considerable growth and significant organizational change. To address these concerns, I found it essential to engage stakeholders early on, facilitating discussions that tied changes to core institutional values like cultural awareness and global competency. Presenting examples of successful partnerships and alignment with academic as well as career-readiness goals further eased transitions. Now, in organizational change, I continue to emphasize open dialogue and data-backed insights (which need to be linked to a learning organization) to help stakeholders see the benefits.  This fosters a shared understanding and smoother transitions.

Leveraging Technology to Enhance Multilayered Assessments

Technology has greatly expanded the scope and depth of assessments, enabling more adaptive and comprehensive evaluations. In global education, learning management systems and digital portfolios allow us to track student progress across various competencies, geographical location as well as their entire higher education career. This provides timely feedback and fosters meaningful growth. These tools also let students present their understanding through creative formats like digital portfolios, which closely mirror real-world applications and promote reflective thinking. In organizational change, simulations and interactive case studies offer nuanced, longitudinal assessments that capture learning in real time. This approach provides a more accurate view of students’ evolving understanding, helping them connect theoretical knowledge to practical, organizational contexts.

Emerging Trends and Technologies Impacting Education Change Management

I see AI, VR/AR and data analytics as key drivers of change in education over the next five years. AI offers pathways to personalized learning by tailoring educational content to individual student needs, while VR/AR enables immersive experiences that connect students to diverse cultural and practical contexts. For example, students can explore global cultural sites or engage in realistic simulations that deepen their engagement with course material. Data analytics, meanwhile, provides educators with real-time insights into student progress, enabling responsive and effective change management. These technologies not only foster deeper learning experiences but also make educational reforms more scalable and adaptable, which is essential in today’s rapidly changing environment.

Advice to the Budding Professionals in the Education Sector

To successfully lead online education initiatives, it is crucial to focus on adaptability, engagement and inclusivity. My experience in the arts underscored the importance of creating interactive spaces where students can engage actively and connect with one another. In online settings, tools like discussion boards, virtual group projects and real-time feedback sessions help create a sense of community that enhances learning outcomes. Accessibility is equally vital; courses should be intuitive and easy to navigate, accommodating students from diverse backgrounds and technological proficiencies. Gathering feedback regularly is important for continuous improvement, ensuring that online education remains responsive to evolving student needs and aligns with broader educational goals.

Change Management

Learning Management