Have you ever imagined a study abroad experience in your very own classroom? Not having to leave your campus, but rather, the study abroad experience coming to you? This concept can now be considered a reality for many faculty and students at Loyola Marymount University through a pedagogical method known as Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). Designed and facilitated by faculty, COIL provides virtual learning opportunities forstudents without having to leave their classroom. COIL courses connect two groups of students located in different countries through an online platform to enable an academic and cultural exchange. COIL is a collaborative and intimate way of achieving course outcomes across borders.
While COIL predates COVID-19, it surged in use during the initial stages of the pandemic and has since become a critical tool in global learning initiatives. The State University of New York (SUNY), has been one of the leaders in this pioneering teaching method through its SUNY COIL Center (established in 2004). LMU is in the early adoption stage of COIL, with a dedicated core group of COIL faculty and LMU COIL Coordinator, Jennifer Ramos, professor of Political Science and International Relations and director of Global Learning, Office of International Programs and Partnerships (IPP). Through LMU’s participation in the SUNY COIL network, faculty have access to a number of resources, including workshops, partnership connections, and resources. Ramos asserts the value of COIL to enhance students’ access to global learning experiences, especially given the challenging social, political and economic environment that impacts students’ international engagement abroad.
This upcoming year, Bernadette Musetti, professor of Urban and Environmental Studies, will play a unique role as LMU’s SUNY COIL Ambassador. Nominated by Ramos to represent the university, Musetti is well-suited to the role, given her embrace of COIL, which embodies her commitment to experiential learning and inclusive, innovative teaching. Musetti has taught courses using COIL since 2019, including Liberal Studies 4900 “Education & Global Issues”; FYS 1000 ”Education & the Public Good”; and EVST 3120/URBN 3200 “Better World: Explorations of Place & Purpose.” Musetti believes in the importance of COIL as a way for students to expand their horizons and see the world form a different perspective.
While planning for and implementing a COIL course is challenging, Musetti is convinced of its value. During her first year of teaching, before Zoom became a prominent tool, Musetti used social media to bridge the gap between classrooms. Her students worked closely with students form Sophia University in Tokyo on Facebook, constructing meaningful projects meant to advance a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal or an issue of great importance. This project proved to be a bonding experience for all students involved and provided them an invaluable experience that allowed them to progress on their own journey towards becoming global citizens. Critical to this work is preparing students to engage in working with other students who may have different norms and understandings of academic engagement. Moreover, Musetti emphasizes the need for students to recognize their own positionality and to be mindful of how they participate in the collaboration.
Musetti is just one of many faculty at LMU who are now integrating COIL in the classroom. As an innovative tool for global learning, it aligns with LMU’s mission to provide a “transformative educational experience,” by connecting young people in a global community to engage with pressing global issues. In unprecedented times like these, COIL is more important than ever, especially when government policies run counter to the free exchange of ideas, cultures, and people. Musetti sees the program as a way of meeting the crisis of disinformation we currently face with bridge-building and cross-cultural education.
With this in mind, both Ramos and Musetti believe the future of COIL is bright — not only at LMU, but as a world-wide teaching tool that can meet the demands of these trying times. Ramos hopes to expand the program at LMU, with a focus on students who might not have access to study abroad, or for which this may be a stepping stone to a study abroad experience. As someone who has studied abroad, I know that it can be a rather expensive venture not many students are particularly ready for or simply just cannot afford. My hope is that more faculty will consider COIL as they prepare their courses and consider various pedagogical tools so that an increasing number of students can benefit as those in Musetti’s courses have. As LMU continues to ignite a brighter world, COIL will be a key element of being the change we wish to see.