Introduction to COIL Virtual Exchange
A matchmaking project kicked off this Spring and is gaining momentum across the U!REKA network
26 May 2021 00:00 | CommunicationTeachers across the U!REKA network - are you wondering about the exact meaning and value of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)? Eager to learn more about international virtual collaboration but don’t know where to start? Read on to find out more about this international and interdisciplinary teaching method and how you can connect with other lecturers across Europe to kick start a collaborative project.
Interdisciplinary collaboration via virtual exchange
Last month (April 2021) Eva Haug (AUAS), in collaboration with U!REKA, organised a three part workshop series on the topic of collaborative online international learning.
The series was developed to give lecturers across the U!REKA network an introduction to virtual exchange and to address how teachers can incorporate this collaboration method into their courses or modules.
It does so by providing teachers with examples of interdisciplinary online collaboration with international partners. In addition teachers are also supported in facilitating learning about cultural differences (amongst other things).
Even though lecturers might not be experts in thie area, Eva makes sure participants are provided with a solid foundation and therefore the confidence they need to get started.
Target audience
The workshop is meant for teachers in particular. However, curriculum designers, Teaching and Learning specialists and international officers are also more than welcome to participate.
The aim is to make a greater impact by addressing a wider audience. In addition the staff can bring along lecturers and help spread the word to those whom are likely to benefit from the workshops.
Goal: developing a new course together
After completing the series participants are ready to be matched with an international partner. The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to develop a new virtual project together. The matches are made within the U!REKA network – our alliance of higher education institutions in Europe, spanning Belgium, Portugal, Germany, Norway, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Scotland and Finland.
New Meet & Greet sessions in June
Currently a number of matches have already been made but there are still opportunities to attend the meet and greet sessions on 8, 15 or 22 June. Please see the contact information below if you'd like to sign up.
COIL design workshops after the summer
The COIL design workshop is meant as a follow up to help participants develop their project idea so that they can take it to the implementation stage. The idea is that people attend these follow up sessions together with their 'matched' partner, to that they can develop the project together and eventually integrate it into their regular module or course. The plan is to hold these follow-up sessions after the summer break.
Sign up and more information
Are you interested in participating and finding your match? If you haven’t attended the Intro to COIL workshop series you can still join the U!REKA Meet & Greet sessions on 8,15 or 22 June.
Please contact Eva Haug for further information and if you would like to attend.