In a significant effort to promote international cooperation in higher education, OBREAL Global, in collaboration with the Consejo Superior Universitario Centroamericano (CSUCA), the Asociación Nacional de Universidades e Instituciones de Educación Superior (ANUIES) and the Universidad Veracruzana of Mexico, organised a workshop on the institutional management of collaborative international online learning (COIL) in Central America.
The virtual workshop aimed to raise awareness and train university managers in the design and management of an international collaborative online learning programme, with a strong focus on institutional policies for internationalisation of higher education institutions (HEIs) and the process of internationalising the curriculum.
The main objectives of the workshop were
- Raising awareness of the potential of COIL programmes in promoting international collaboration and global competence among students and faculty.
To equip university leaders with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement COIL initiatives in their respective institutions. - To promote intra- and inter-regional cooperation among participating institutions in order to enhance the educational experience of students.
- The workshop adopted a theoretical-practical methodology, using digital platforms to encourage interactivity among participants. Both synchronous and asynchronous teamwork sessions were used to facilitate engaged learning experiences.
Participants were carefully selected from different higher education institutions associated with the Central American Higher University Council (CSUCA). Participants included members of international relations offices, units responsible for educational models, educational innovation, curriculum design and related areas.
One of the main outcomes of the workshop was the development of a basic proposal for a COIL pilot programme, with a focus on intra- and inter-regional cooperation. The proposal is expected to serve as a blueprint for future COIL initiatives, promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding among students and academics across borders.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in promoting the globalisation of higher education in Central America and fostering a more interconnected academic community. By leveraging digital technologies and international collaboration, COIL programmes have the potential to improve the quality and accessibility of education while preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
The joint effort of OBREAL Global, CSUCA, ANUIES and Universidad Veracruzana in organising this workshop reflects their commitment to promoting the internationalisation of higher education and fostering a spirit of cooperation among institutions in the region.
