2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Focus Study of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Engineering Projects

Presented at International Division (INTL) Technical Session #2: Global Engagement

Background: In recent years, the emphasis on global experiences for undergraduates has increased. Institutions and educators have worked to create more opportunities for international collaboration for students. Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a pedagogical method that allows for a deepened global engagement for students without the need for international travel. The COIL method connects students and faculty from different countries to explore a subject, theme, issue, or idea through a project-based learning experience. COIL presents many opportunities for virtual engagement as a solution for lack of student mobility, as emphasized throughout the pandemic. COIL also has the potential to benefit students from (Blind international) University during their exchange year in the United States, by allowing them the opportunities to connect with students they collaborated with virtually in their first year.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the cultural impact of COIL engineering courses completed in fall of 2021 and fall of 2022 at (Blind domestic) University in partnership with (Blind international) University. 

Methodology/approach: In a study completed in the fall of 2021 and fall of 2022, over 200 students from each institution in two COIL engineering courses completed pre- and post-surveys to understand their cultural competencies. Data was collected and analyzed using an existing survey tool and engineering-specific learning outcomes. For the cultural competency measures, students were asked to rate their level of agreement with a set of 12 statements using a Likert scale. In addition to the pre- and post- cultural competency assessments, the following learning outcomes were measured with a post course survey comprised of 20 questions, organized into five learning outcomes: Intellectual Reasoning and Knowledge (IRK), Creative Inquiry and Discovery (CID), Effective Leadership and Community Engagement (ELCE), Social Awareness and Cultural Understanding (SACU), and Global Consciousness (GC).

Preliminary findings: Preliminary findings suggest statistically significant changes in the cultural competencies and learning outcomes of the students from both universities after their participation in the COIL project. Findings also suggest that these changes may be dependent on gender. A complete analysis of the collected data will be presented in the final paper.

Authors

Ms. Meredith Blumthal University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

Meredith Blumthal has been in the field of international education for 15 years. As the Director for International Programs in Engineering (IPENG) at the University of Illinois, she leads the study abroad initiatives and programming for the college. Ms. Blumthal’s team includes three study abroad advisors, a receptionist and peer advisors. Together the IPENG office provides study abroad advising, expertise, international exchanges, and cultural experiences in over 60 programs throughout 20 countries, with the goal of providing transformative learning experiences that empower students to develop global competency skills. Through partnerships with partner universities abroad, alumni, faculty, staff and student groups, Ms. Blumthal leads the IPENG team to provide study abroad advising, informational events, and class presentations. She works with the 12 engineering departments to develop and grow studying abroad programming with overseas partners to grow connections with universities, and facilitates the study abroad fair. Meredith is responsible for developing faculty-led programing an engagement within the College of Engineering.
Her areas of expertise include ideation, program development, partner collaboration, faculty training and development, comprehensive program management, marketing and promotion, co-curricular development, study abroad advising, and student development.
Mrs. Gretchen M. Forman University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
Juliana Roznowski
Hannah Dougherty University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

Hannah Dougherty is an Academic Advisor and Coordinator of International Programs for International Programs in Engineering in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). She coordinates programming for virtual global experiences, faculty-led programs, student organizations and other non-traditional study abroad opportunities while also advising students. She also leads faculty-led programs over breaks and oversees the Global Engineering Ambassador (GEA) program. She holds a BS and a MS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 2019, Hannah completed a Fulbright U.S. Graduate Award at the University of Waikato in New Zealand.
Ernest-John Ignacio http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9916-953X University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Molly H Goldstein http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2382-4745 University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

Dr. Molly H. Goldstein is a Teaching Assistant Professor and Product Design Lab Director in Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering at the Grainger College at the University of Illinois. She is also courtesy faculty in Mechanical Science and Engineering, Curriculum & Instruction (College of Education) and Industrial Design (School of Fine and Applied Arts). Dr. Goldstein’s research focuses on student designers through the study of their design actions and thinking.
Dr. Brian Woodard University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

Dr. Woodard received his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2011. He currently serves as an Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois. His engineering education interests span first-year programs, international programs, and engineering graphics. His Aerospace research interests currently focus on the effects of icing on the aerodynamics of swept-wing aircraft.

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