The Southeast Asian Conference on Education 2024: Official Conference Proceedings

Abstract

This practitioner research in education paper is based on the experiences of two English language educators taking part in a collaborative online international learning project, otherwise known as COIL. Synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods were used for English language learners to meet and work with students from other countries. The collaboration took place virtually between two institutions of higher education, located on different sides of the globe, namely Mexico and Singapore. Students met to work in groups on a project, in an authentic situation to practice the target language. The experience provided students with intercultural and transnational learning through interaction, collaboration and taking ownership of their learning. With little or no experience of taking part in COIL projects, the practitioners investigated three key questions: 1. What are the benefits to students of taking part in international collaboration? 2. What are the challenges of such a project? 3. How do students cope with misunderstandings resulting from cultural and ethnic differences? Data was collected through the analysis of written online learning logs using thematic coding to create a survey given to participating students at the end of the project. The benefits, as well as the challenges, are considered followed by recommendations based on first-hand experiences and reflections to offer a practical reference for colleagues and educators who may wish to explore the feasibility of taking part in such a project.