Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
Summary: Explore how Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) connects students globally, fostering intercultural skills and collaboration through innovative virtual partnerships.
Date of publishing: October 5, 2020
Like with other methods of internationalization, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects help to prepare students to work in today’s global knowledge economy and enriches teaching and learning experience for faculty and students. One of the main benefits of COIL is that it provides students with a global learning experience without the need to leave Canada. Hear what students have to say about participating in online experiential learning from home.
To participate in a Collaborative Online International Learning experience, a USask instructor works with a partner instructor from an international institution who is teaching a similar or complementary course. Together, the instructors design tasks that students from both their classes will complete. Learn more about Dr. Randy Kutcher’s experience with multiple universities across three continents. Read about how COIL can supplement undergraduate research between students in Spain and Canada. Listen to music created through collaboration between students in Brazil and Canada.
Evaluate your course
It is important you assess your course by reviewing your learning outcomes and determining what skills you want your students to develop by participating in collaborative learning.
Choose your partner
- View a list of USask world-wide partner institutions for some possibilities.
- View a list of current USask faculty and instructors looking for COIL partners.
- If you’d like help choosing a partner institution, please fill out the COIL information survey or email GMCTL.
Start planning and read the instructors’ workbook
Once you have a partner, don’t delay, reach out to start planning your course. See the COIL Instructors’ Workbook pdf)(also in a docx format) for detailed instructions.
Together, you and your partner will establish the timeline and depth of work (icebreakers, mandated assignments, reports, check-in meetings, explicit intercultural competence development, etc.), and you will both decide on the degree of engagement.
Further Steps
Consider completing courses on intercultural competencies offered by the Gwenna Moss Centre; or the Introduction to Intercultural Communication course offered by the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC). Be familiar with inclusive and culturally responsive teaching practices. Watch this video for tips from faculty on COIL.
#Internationalization
#Flexible Learning
#Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)