Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and Virtual Exchange (VE) promote cross-border interaction and shared learning between students. Teachers from different universities and countries develop a course module together within their existing courses. Within this module, students exchange their different perspectives in joint discussions and work in mixed groups on small projects. Thus, students have the opportunity to develop future-relevant skills beyond developing specialist knowledge and skills.
This training program is an introductory course to the design of virtual exchange/COIL courses for teaching staff who have little or no prior knowledge of the concept of VE/COIL courses. The course is aimed at faculty from all EDUC partner universities and consists of the following parts
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The synchronous introductory session (90 min.) aims to introduce the benefits, core principles and elements of COIL/VE as well as the basic development process of a COIL/VE project. Case studies provide insights into diverse design opportunities and suitable digital tools for international collaborative teaching and learning. Participants also find out what support is available at their universities.
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The self-work phase (10 days) offers participants time to formulate their own initial ideas for integrating COIL/VE into their courses on the basis of the information gained and using the accompanying resources. Participants can take the first steps in formulating suitable topics, possible collaboration objectives, and learning activities.
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During the final synchronous session (90 min.), participants have the opportunity to present and discuss initial drafts of COIL/VE projects with their peers. Questions and challenges that arose during development are identified, and possible solutions are suggested. Additional learning and support needs are discussed.
The training course is a joint offer from EDUC and COIL.UP and is accompanied by a course room in the EDUC Moodle. Information and materials will be made available there in the week before the training course begins. Registration and enrolement with your own university account is possible until June 20, 2025.
This will be followed in September 2025 by a training course for teachers with previous knowledge and first experiences. It will deepen specific elements of the COIL design (e.g. icebreaker, group activities, evaluation)
Dates and times
- Introductory Session: Mo, June 23, 10:00 to 11:30 (online)
- Self-work Phase: June 24 to July 3 (asynchronous)
- Closing Session: July 4, 10:00 to 11:30 (online)
- Trainer: Giovanni Fonseca
- Trainer: Frederic Matthé
