This is an elective module that is part of UPED852 Subject didactics specialization in university pedagogy
Purpose of the Module
This module aims to equip academic staff with the foundational knowledge and practical strategies needed to initiate and implement a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) practice within a higher education context. COIL provides a comprehensive framework for integrating global perspectives into the curriculum by facilitating virtual collaboration among students and educators across borders.
The module is open to international partners!
Those who register should have a partner with whom they will develop COIL. Employees at HVL can contact Torunn if they need help getting in touch with potential partners through the COIL Connect network.
Key Concepts
- Understand the principles and benefits of COIL as an instrument of internationalisation at home.
- Identify opportunities for COIL within their teaching practice.
- Build sustainable partnerships with international colleagues, especially between Global North and South.
- Design collaborative learning activities that foster global competence and digital collaboration skills among students.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the theoretical and methodological foundations of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), including its role in internationalisation of higher education and development of global competence.
- Critically assess and apply relevant pedagogical,intercultural and interdisciplinary frameworks in the design and implementation of COIL activities in collaboration with international academic partners.
- Initiate and lead the development of a COIL project practice within their academic context, demonstrating the ability to manage complex pedagogical innovation processes in a digital and intercultural learning environment.
Learning Activities
The module comprises three digital sessions, each lasting three hours, and is supplemented by preparatory work before each session. These sessions are designed to be interactive and practice-oriented, providing participants with the opportunity to explore and apply the principles of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) in a supportive environment.
Throughout the module, participants will engage in a series of structured learning activities designed to develop a COIL project, create icebreakers, and reflect in collaboration with an international partner. Activities include preparatory readings and reflections, interactive workshops, collaborative exercises with partners, and peer feedback.
A guidance will be provided between each group session) + a guidance before the submission of the assignment on June 11.
Assessment
The participant must submit a collaboratively designed COIL proposal that demonstrates understanding of the module content and readiness to implement the activity in practice.
The assessment is based on a pass/fail grading system.
Phyiscal/Digital Sessions
- 16.04.2026
- 07.05.2026
- 21.05.2026
Literature
- Beelen, J., & Doscher, S. (2022). Situating COIL Virtual Exchange within concepts of internationalization. In J. Rubin & S. Guth (Eds.), The guide to COIL Virtual Exchange (pp 44-63). Stylus.
- Hackett, S., Janssen, J., Beach, P., Perreault, M., Beelen, J., & Tartwijk, J. van (2023). The effectiveness of Collaborative International Learning (COIL) on intercultural competence development in higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20:5 https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-022-00373-3
- Hackett, S., Dawson, M., Janssen, J. et al. (2024). Defining Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and Distinguishing it from Virtual Exchange. TechTrends 68, 1078–1094 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-024-01000-w
- Jacobs, L., Beelen, J., & Wimpenny, K (Eds.) (2024). Conference Proceedings; iKudu closing conference 6-9 May 2024, Bloemfontein. University of the Free State. https://www.ufs.ac.za/docs/librariesprovider66/default-document-library/ikudu-conference-proceedings-ultimate.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=f7c1a20_5