GlobalCollaborative Online International Learning is an innovative way for your students to engage in dialogue with their peers around the world.
The University of Minnesota COIL Initiative supports several programs to further the process of integrating virtual exchange opportunities into teaching and learning. We offer COIL module development programming, in the form of our COIL Cohorts, both for internal and external audiences. And we offer a University of Minnesota COIL and Virtual Exchange Strategic Leadership Institute, which provides leadership development across institutions.
So what is COIL?
COILed courses focus on creating student-to-student interactions and opportunities to learn together with those who have perspectives different from our own. Typically COIL projects involve the co-development of a course module within an existing courses by two or more instructors from different countries, each of whom recognize that a valuable kind of learning occurs when students from different parts of the world work together on a common area of focus.
The nature of these collaborations can take many forms. Projects can vary in length and format, from projects lasting several weeks, to semester length projects, and from synchronous to asynchronous. Often instruction prepares students for collaborative group projects, active learning, and they most often involve synchronous meetings.
COIL projects are usually taught in the context of in-person classes, but they can also be developed as part of synchronous and asynchronous coursework. COIL courses often embrace the use of digital technology to bridge the distance that separates countries and partners. Forms of interaction include online discussion groups, videoconferences, class to class meetings, and group projects.
UMN COIL Strategic Leadership Institute
Beginning in 2025, the University of Minnesota's Office of Curriculum Internationalization, led by Assistant Vice Provost Stephanie Doscher, will offer leadership development programs for integrating virtual exchange into the curricula and internationalization plans of the home institution. This institute is geared for participation by leadership teams from non-US and US institutions.
The program will guide institutions through the process of assessing, designing, supporting and expanding robust COIL virtual exchange programs. Teams can include members such a senior international officer, international education leaders, academic leadership, including provost, vice provost, dean, chair, center or program directors, educational technology personnel, instructional designers; teaching and learning professionals, and faculty members.
If interested, please fill out this intake form. COIL Director Dan Nolan (dnolan (at) umn.edu) will reach out with application materials, and schedule an introductory meeting with the UMN COIL team. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. The first 6-week 2025 program will take place in spring.
Where to find a partner?
Interested in exploring potential COIL partners around the world? The University of Minnesota offers many partnering resources for COIL projects. Please contact COIL Director Dan Nolan (dnolan (at) umn.edu) for more info. We are also proud partners with COIL Connect (coilconnect.org) , which offers a list of active faculty and universities pursuing COIL development:
