Expanding Global Learning Through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
UCF’s Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiative supports virtual exchange and blended learning experiences by pairing UCF faculty with international partners. Together, they create shared learning opportunities that help students develop intercultural competence in a globalized academic context.
To expand student access to global learning and integrate COIL more broadly into UCF courses, the Center for Distributed Learning (CDL), UCF Global, and experienced COIL faculty collaborated to design a scalable support structure. This initiative aims to grow high-impact practices (HIPs) across the curriculum by embedding international learning experiences into more courses.
Beginning in 2024, in partnership with UCF Global and CDL the Pegasus Innovation Lab led the development of a three-phase implementation plan – pilot program, inaugural cohort, and annual cohorts – in accordance with Florida International University’s COIL and Virtual Exchange Leadership Institute. This effort, funded by UCF Global, marks a strategic step in making global learning accessible and sustainable at scale.
Interested in COIL? Contact UCF Global for more information at UCFGlobal@ucf.edu on how to get started.
The image below is a screenshot from a Zoom meeting from UCF faculty member, Linda Rosa-Lugo, who was partnering with a faculty member from the Universidade de São Paulo. All students were able to meet each other and attend their class through Zoom. The image to the right shows students at UCF connect connecting with students from Greece, illustrating another way that a COIL course can be conducted.
