Changes in the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program at the University of Minnesota (UMN) began in fall 2024 with the appointment of Dan Nolan as Director for COIL Initiatives and

In this meeting, we will begin with a cultural icebreaker activity to set an engaging and participatory tone. Next, we will address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the Honduran population, including economic struggles, political instability, migration, judicial issues, social inequalities, and difficulties in education and health. We will also discuss the impacts of natural disasters, violence, and corruption, which hinder the country's economic progress.

In this talk, Professor Jorge Matamoros, COIL Coordinator at the Languages Center at the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional Francisco Morazán in Honduras, will begin with an introduction to life in Honduras with an engaging activity that encourages active participation from attendees, focusing on the country's economy, education, culture, and politics.

The workshop includes a concise theoretical segment on the significance of icebreakers in COIL project collaborations. Following introductions, participants will engage in a variety of practical activities showcasing different types of icebreakers tailored to the group’s characteristics and the teachers’ objectives. These activities aim to help students build trust and foster effective communication. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate in the proposed activities, ensuring the workshop remains dynamic, engaging, and enriching for everyone involved.

This faculty-focused six-module workshop focuses on developing a new COIL project together with an international partner. Faculty work together with an international partner to co-create a learning module, in which their students then collaborate with their partner's students to pursue a common learning goal.