How can educators empower students with intercultural competence and collaborative skills in today’s interconnected world? Dr. Emma Zhang, Lecturer of English at Hong Kong Baptist University’s Language Centre, recently led an insightful seminar on Virtual Exchange (VE) and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)—highlighting innovative approaches that bridge geographical divides and foster global connections.
During the session, Dr. Zhang explored how VE/COIL programs enhance intercultural learning, global perspectives, and cooperative problem-solving, while addressing common challenges institutions face in implementing such initiatives. She introduced a progressive collaboration framework for designing and implementing impactful VE/COIL programs, showcasing how academic staff can facilitate online intercultural exchanges while contributing to the on-campus internationalization of students.
The progressive approach demonstrates how VE/COIL programs can upskill educators, foster global perspectives and collaboration, promote intercultural competence, and enrich both teaching practices and student experiences.
(length: 01:02:50)
View her presentation slides here: Presentation Slides_Dr Emma Zhang_31 Mar 2025.pdf
Outline of this Sharing Session:
Designing and Implementing Virtual Exchange (VE) / Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Programs
to Enhance Global Exchange and Internationalization
Presenter: Dr. Emma Zhang
00:00 – 02:28 | Introduction |
02:29 – 12:36 | Introduction to COIL/VE |
12:37 – 27:34 | COIL/VE in Language Teaching |
27:35 – 30:52 | Institutional Capacity Building |
30:53 – 37:31 | Practical Implementation 1: Co-curricular Activity |
37:32 – 48:54 | Practical Implementation 2: Pre-COIL Programs: |
48:55 – 54:06 | Practical Implementation 3: Semester-long Project |
54:07 – 55:48 | Resources & Future Directions |
55:49 – 01:01:36 | Discussions |