In the present-day globalized economic environment, academics increasingly utilize technology to collaborate across diverse cultures, continents, and time zones. In response to this trend, the academic community has embraced "Collaborative Online International Learning" (COIL) as a means of promoting internationalization at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Despite the numerous benefits and importance of COIL, there remains a need for further research in this area to develop internationalization at HEIs. This study seeks to explore how COIL facilitates internationalization at culturally distinct HEIs. In addition, the study aims to determine whether the students' participation enhanced their cultural perspective. Qualitative research was conducted using an auto-ethnographic design, which included three reflections of three participants who collaborated on a COIL project. The following themes emerged: the importance of knowledge construction through networking, the context, culture, community in which the collaboration takes place, learner characteristics, and changing mindsets. The findings showed that students and lecturers could learn new innovative technologies, cultures, and communication skills. COIL projects discussed in this study have managed to change the students' mindsets and the lecturers, which are critical to bringing transformation about in HEI. COIL is a relatively new trend that can be effectively used to promote the student experience and produce work-ready students for a culturally diverse global market. Despite COIL's critical role in promoting internationalization, South African studies have not previously reported sufficiently on this association. The results of the study suggest that COIL can be effectively used to promote internationalization, digital transformation, and cultural competence.

Authors:
Nolwazi Qumbisa, Central University of Technology, South Africa
Nomfundo Khoza, Central University of Technology, South Africa
Freda Van Der Walt, Central University of Technology, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Nolwazi Qumbisa is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at Central University of Technology, Free State in South Africa

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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