TIDES: bridging cultural, digital and institutional divides in East Texas and beyond

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss the history of the TIDES (Teaching, Images andrnDigital Experiences) Program, and demonstrate how TIDES has created mutually beneficialrnpartnerships through sharing resource and collaborating on digital initiatives with a variety ofrninstitutions in both Texas and Mexico.rnDesign/methodology/approach - In order to bridge the digital and cultural divide in East Texasrnclassrooms, TIDES has formed partnerships with institutions and educators from Mexico. By offeringrnmedia rich resources, adapting current curriculum for today's digital environment, and fosteringrninternational partnerships, TIDES has built a model for an education program that promotes local andrnglobal understanding.rnFindings - Bringing together teachers from Mexico and Texas has resulted in a betterrnunderstanding of each culture, which has translated to the classroom. These connections have beenrnfurther supported by TIDES virtual expeditions, art projects, and primary source documents.rnPractical implications - Over time, TIDES has grown from a small, regional project to a universityrnsupported and sustained program. TIDES has pursued new ways the university library can contributernto the university community by forging partnerships in unexpected places. TIDES also offers uniquernopportunities for educators to travel on teacher expeditions, experiencing firsthand the cultures theyrnare trying to relate to and teach about.rnOriginality/value - This paper demonstrates unique ways that libraries and library staff can reachrnacross the aisle to other departments and institutions, working together to increase access to andrnvisibility of their services. The TIDES Program can be used as a model in other communities, as wellrnas a starting point for other collaborative projects.