Role of faculty in collaborative online international learning (COIL) – a pedagogical tool for Internationalization at Home (IaH)

Abstract

PurposeThe research paper explores the role of faculties in teaching collaborative online international learning (COIL) courses as a pedagogical tool toward Internationalization at Home. The study examines what motivates faculties to teach COIL courses and what is their experience in designing and delivering a COIL course as a pedagogical tool for Internationalization at Home.Design/methodology/approachThe research paper explores the role of faculties in conducting a COIL course through qualitative research of 16 faculties selected through purposive sampling. The verbatim transcripts of the interviews taken were analyzed through Braun and Clarke thematic analysis.FindingsCOIL is an innovative Internationalization at Home initiative built on the internationalization of curriculum. Faculties perceived COIL as an innovative pedagogical tool enhancing their professional advancement and providing equal global learning opportunities to all students at home, thereby ensuring inclusivity. COIL promotes enhanced cross-cultural student engagement and cultural understanding, thereby developing the global competency of students.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is a qualitative study done with a sample of 16 faculties using the in-depth interview as a tool. The outcome may not be applicable to the population at large.Practical implicationsThis research would guide higher education institutions (HEIs) to enhance Internationalization at Home and enable inclusivity in providing international exposure to a large number of place-bound students. The findings of the research would encourage HEIs to train faculties to design innovative COIL courses and enhance cross-cultural student engagement. The research would motivate policymakers in the higher education sector to design policies and practices to embed COIL in the curriculum of HEIs.Social implicationsCOIL ensures quality of education (SDG 4) and reduces inequalities (SDG 10). Therefore, this research would pave a pathway for HEIs to attain sustainable development goals, especially SDG 4 and SDG 10.Originality/valueThe study is original in the area of the international virtual education sector.