SLSU, TVU Launch First Regional COIL-COIN Orientation for Educators

Educators across Southeast Asia gathered virtually on July 31, 2025, to mark the first regional orientation session of the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)—a growing consortium of institutions spearheaded by Tra Vinh University (Vietnam) and Southern Leyte State University (Philippines), which also co-founded the Collaborative Online International Network (COIN). COIN, which stands for Collaborative Online International Network, aims to implement COIL programs, as well as similar initiatives such as Experiential Digital Global Engagement (EDGE), Virtual Exchange (VE), and online international team teaching.

The network's core purpose is to promote online international team-taught courses, enhancing student engagement, intercultural experiences, and global learning through virtual communication.
The session opened with a message from Dr. Leslie Elisa Cobilla, COIN's project leader from SLSU, followed by an engaging icebreaker led by Dr. Joseph Monter Añavesa. The COIL overview, presented by Dr. Chau Thi Hoang Hoa, Team Leader of COIL and COIN at TVU and Dr. Leah S. Tinga, laid out the foundational goals of COIN: to implement Collaborative Online International Learning, encourage global student engagement, and support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Dr. Elmer Abayan Irene of SSU, a member of the university of COIN, served as the event's moderator and facilitator.

Educators explored the practicalities of COIL implementation, including the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT for project ideation and design. Participants were guided to reflect on their teaching goals and to design COIL-ready modules with an emphasis on collaboration, intercultural communication, and course integration. The orientation featured real-world COIL project examples from experienced "COILers." Dr. Mary and Ms. Van shared a project on cultural values in Vietnamese and Filipino literature; Dr. Adora and Dr. Hoa presented a multicultural early childhood education module; and Dr. Joseph and Dr. Hoa discussed academic essay writing as a tool for cultural comparison. These models showcased how COIL fosters both academic rigor and cultural understanding. Topics also included the pros and cons of COIL implementation, pedagogical challenges, institutional barriers, and potential research areas. Facilitators, including Dr. Adora, Dr. Leslie, Dr. Leah, and Prof. Joan Baclay, encouraged active dialogue, emphasizing the need for sustainable and meaningful partnerships.

A total of 59 participants attended the event, representing institutions such as Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), Samar State University (SSU), Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) from the Philippines, as well as several universities across Vietnam. The event concluded with heartfelt messages of appreciation, underscoring the spirit of international unity and cooperation that defines COIN. With more institutions and individuals across Asia joining the movement, COIN stands as a powerful model for collaborative teaching and inclusive, future-ready education.