■Introduction

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is an innovative educational method that uses Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to connect culturally diverse students across the world. By providing authentic opportunities for students to learn through online interactions with their international peers, COIL helps students develop global perspectives as well as essential cognitive and social skills, such as intercultural competency, digital literacy, global teamwork, problemsolving, and adaptability. Thus, COIL has great potential in regard to preparing students for future success in today’s increasingly interconnected world.

■STAGE COIL Project

The STAGE seminar integrated a two-week COIL project in the spring semester to introduce first-year students to the benefits of becoming more globally engaged and connected before embarking on actual overseas study abroad programs. Organized by Professor Thomas Mach and Associate Professor Shari Yamamoto from the Center of Education in General Studies, the project was conducted in partnership with Assistant Professor Marnie Clay from the Department of Health & Human Performance at Fort Lewis College (FLC) in Durango, Colorado in USA. This project brought together STAGE students with students enrolled in a course about nutrition and culture offered at FLC. The project's theme, "Comparing and Contrasting Food Culture in the US and Japan,” was selected because of its relatability to our everyday lives. As a familiar and fundamental aspect of every culture, students generally have plenty to say about food and so this topic serves as a useful gateway to meaningful discussions involving cultural comparisons and identity.

In the first week of the COIL project, students were introduced to the project's objectives, collaborative tasks, and the ICT tools they would use for the exchange during the project. Students completed the first task of sharing video introductions in English with their group members before contacting their global partners to arrange for methods of further discussion. Each group focused on one of the following research topics: food shopping at grocery and convenience stores, traditional cultural dishes, the restaurant experience, keeping healthy, cultural food staples, local foods and regional specialties, school lunches, and popular snacks and sweets.

STAGE students gathered in class for the second week of the COIL project to further examine their topics, including sharing insights on what they learned and their approach to conducting group work with their international peers. Students used an interactive virtual multimedia bulletin board to summarize their findings and presented the new knowledge they acquired in the form of a group presentation in class and individual reflection videos after class. In sum, this COIL project encouraged STAGE students to step outside their typical comfort zone by teaming up with peers from another part of the world, and through this process they were able to more deeply consider their own culture as well.

STAGE students reflected on their COIL experiences with students in the US. Please watch a 2-minute reflection video of Nana, a first-year STAGE student.

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■Background

The connection between Konan’s STAGE program and Fort Lewis College began with an Area Studies program conducted in Durango, Colorado in 2023. This program was organized by Professor Akitoshi Sogabe from Konan’s Center of Education in General Studies and his longtime friend and colleague, Associate Professor Susumu Iwasaki from Fort Lewis College, with faculty support from Marnie Clay at FLC and Shari Yamamoto at Konan. The program was a success thanks to the kindness and support of many wonderful friends and colleagues who hosted the Konan group during the program.
Their collaborative efforts at FLC provided meaningful learning opportunities for students at both institutions, laying the foundation for the STAGE COIL project. To learn more about FLC and the Area Studies program in Durango, please check the links below.

◆【短期留学レポート】エリアスタディーズ(アメリカ/コロラドコース)を実施しました！

◆   Fort Lewis College

Article by Associate Professor Shari Yamamoto,
Center for Education in General Studies
Fellow, Konan International Exchange Center