Modern day digital pen pals: A semester-long Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project

Abstract

This paper outlines a unit-long or semester-long project that aims to build students competencies in interpersonal, international, intercultural, and language-learning proficiencies, mediated through the use of technology. The project is considered a Collaborative Online International Learning or COIL project, and offers detailed instructions on how to pair and run a meaningful cross-border partner-based educational collaboration through a series of three preparation assignments and three conversation reflections. This activity ends with both discussion questions for the synchronous in-class debrief, as well as suggestions for modifications or alterations based on commonly found challenges.

Courses

Interpersonal/Intercultural/Group Communication, Language Exchange Program.

Objectives

This original teaching idea can be a semester-long or extended unit-long project. By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

• Identify both theoretical and practical applications of self-disclosure and employ more informed choices concerning the role of self-disclosure in the development of friendship.

• Identify the intercultural concepts of expressions of personal, social, and cultural identities, differences in cultural dimensions, and language-learning practice.

• Navigate distance learning through the use of technology and employ logistics skills required to establish shared expectations concerning logistics during collaboration.

• Employ greater capabilities in interpersonal and intercultural competence in cross-cultural friendships and greater competencies in the technologies of Zoom, Skype, and WhatsApp.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.