Call for participation in the Global COIL Initiative to increase student access for global engagement

Global engagement is a priority, as so many of the topics that students are exploring benefit from a global lens. However, finding accessible ways to connect our students with students living in other countries is not always easy. 

Faculty on Ohio University’s Regional Campuses have found a way to do just that through the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) model. COIL is a unique approach that connects faculty and students from around the globe via the internet to collaborate within and across academic disciplines on a joint project.

OHIO is providing faculty and teaching staff across the disciplines the opportunity to explore integrating COIL into their academic programming. The opportunity is to join the Global COIL Initiative (GCI) led by the Center for International Studies with the support of the Office of Instructional Innovation and the Regional Higher Education. 

The aim of the initiative is to create learning environments for participants to broaden and deepen their understanding of COIL course content and options while building cross-cultural relationships through academic and personal engagement enhanced by the perspectives of their global peers.

Faculty and teaching staff will have the opportunity to partner with international collaborators who will be part of this initiative in select countries where OHIO has existing or new institutional relationships. Those countries may include Botswana, Ecuador, Germany, Ghana, Guyana, India, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Senegal, South Africa, Thailand, and The Gambia.

We welcome participants using this opportunity to incorporate in their collaborative projects a focus on sustainability in line with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the President’s Strategic Pathways and Priorities, and the issues that affect the communities in which we reside and work locally that could benefit from a shared international perspective. 

Why COIL?

1. For the faculty and teaching staff
   1. Minimal costs: COIL connects classrooms via the internet so no travel costs for students are necessary.
   2. No credit transfer or curriculum modifications: Assignments are part of an existing course.
   3. Existing support: COIL courses will be supported by a team from the Office of Instructional Innovation.
   4. Creative ways for student engagement: You are joining a growing global network of COIL faculty from across the US and around the world to explore creative ways to engage students globally through course assignments. 
   5. Digital competencies: Instructors and students will increase competencies for using technology in practical and impactful ways.
2. For your students
   1. Connects students to the world, to make new friends and interact cross-culturally while part of your course and their academic discipline
   2. Energizes students to think about their discipline and critically view their course work with a global lens
   3. Motivates students to seek further opportunities to learn about their professional, academic and career interests and possibilities internationally, including studying abroad
   4. Increases experience working in cross cultural, interdisciplinary and international team projects which prepare them for future career opportunities

How can OHIO faculty and teaching staff participate?

All full time OHIO faculty and staff teaching staff are welcome to apply. We are asking that all participants commit three years to this initiative. The GCI will cover all direct costs for the following activities (see attached flyer for more information):

1. Enroll in the OHIO COIL Learning Course to be held either Mondays or Tuesdays, Fall 2019-20 (timing to be confirmed once COIL group is selected). There will be a total of four 2-hour face-to-face sessions. (mandatory)
2. Participate in the COIL Symposium/Training workshops on the Athens Campus, Oct. 21-24, (mandatory 1/2 day of 3 to 3.5 hour commitments and time to meet and get to know international COIL participants)
3. Match, self or assigned, a participating international partner member with compatible assignment goals and subject matter interests.
4. Attend the COIL National Conference in Tacoma, Washington, Oct. 25-26 (preferred).
5. Develop and teach a COIL class at least twice during the three years with your international collaborator (mandatory).
6. Visit your international partner at their institution within the three years. (suggested)
7. Submit a joint short report (template will be provided) after each COIL project, describing the COIL project within the course(s) taught with the collaborating partner (mandatory)
8. Complete and submit individual pre and post evaluations. (mandatory)
9. Receive a $500 stipend for each year that the course is taught to a maximum of two years.
    

To submit a proposal to join the Global COIL Initiative (GCI), please email a one-page dossier at COILOhio@ohio.edu. The priority deadline is Aug. 9. The dossier should include the following information:

• A brief biographical statement;
• A description of why you are interested in the Global COIL Initiative and the three countries which would be your preference for matching; and
• An overview of the classes you generally teach (and might therefore incorporate COIL assignments).

An open information session through ZOOM will be held 2 to 3 pm, Wednesday, July 31. Click on this link to attend. Any other questions or concerns should be directed to COILOhio@ohio.edu.