IN-PERSON: Learning. Life. Work
Abstract
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) strategies are aligned with social-constructivist theory. The goal is for students and universities to interact in diverse societies with openness, curiosity and respect. Students become “global-ready” graduates by acquiring intercultural competencies to address global issues. We aimed to support university students to develop these competencies through engagement in COIL experiences. Methods: Students enrolled in cross-disciplinary courses including Health Sciences, Dietetics or Medicine from universities in Australia, Mexico, and Colombia participated in two COIL case studies. Case study 1: Mexico-Australia (hybrid) was a 10-week collaboration in which students worked on a graded assessment task. Case study 2: Colombia-Australia (non-hybrid) was a four-week extra-curricular activity. Various online tools and classrooms with hybrid facilities were used. Results: In case study 1, students delivered health education sessions to their peers addressing needs of priority groups in Mexico and Australia. In case study 2, students developed health infographics focussing on safe driving messages in Colombia and Australia. Participants perceived that they gained intercultural, communication and digital competencies and that they connected with peers, learned about other cultures in safe and inclusive manner. For the educators it fostered collaboration which was recognised by the universities. Challenges included time zone, language, and discipline related cultural differences. Enablers were bilingual educators proficient with the technology, university support and having common values.
Conclusion: Participants developed health education resources and gained intercultural competencies that fostered an inclusive and diverse global education community. This strengthened collaborations amongst the universities and supported student employability and global citizenship.
Sabrina Gupta: I am a lecturer in the School of Psychology and Public Health and Head/Course Advisor of Public Health major within the Bachelor of Health Science Program at La Trobe University, Australia. I lecture in both undergraduate and post-graduate health science courses and have been involved in the development, delivery and coordination of subjects across the various year levels. I supervise a number of Honours and post-graduate students involved in public health research with a particular interest in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Fernanda Nava Buenfil is a lecturer in the Department of Public Health at La Trobe University, Australia. Her public health research focuses on body image in high-needs groups, particularly culturally and linguistical diverse populations. Her educational research aims to improve student outcomes and learning experiences through effective engagement strategies and self-reflection.
Ana M. Barragan is a physician, public health practitioner, and lecturer at the School of Medicine and Health Science at Universidad del Rosario. She has extensive experience in health research methodology, chronic disease, cervical cancer screening, and stomach cancer. She also teaches research methodology to undergraduate and graduate medical students.
Guadalupe Solís Díaz is a Clinical Nutritionist and Deputy Principal of the School of Dietetics and Nutrition, Mexico. She has extensive experience in the evaluation of body composition.
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Monday 10th June, 2024