Alamo Collaborative Online International Learning

AlamoCOIL

 

What is Virtual Exchange?

Also called telecollaboration,  virtual exchange refers to the application of online communication tools to bring together classes of learners in geographically distant locations with the aim of developing their foreign language skills and digital and intercultural competence through online collaborative tasks and projects.

What kind of virtual exchange does Alamo Colleges District offer?

Alamo COIL involves connecting two or more classes from different countries with similar or interdisciplinary course content. Once connected, the instructor's partner to design course modules that students to engage in communication and collaboration.

or interdisciplinary Virtual exchanges are guided by transformative learning goals such as intercultural competence, global citizenship, personal growth, intellectual growth, and professional development.

 

Virtual Exchanges, Learning Outcomes, and Global Competencies

Not only do students acquire skillsets and expanded worldviews as a result of their participation in virtual exchanges, but they also achieve learning outcomes and knowledge, skills, and attitudes that align with the Colleges, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes are a result of students’ exposure to and involvement in virtual exchanges and the global competencies they achieve through intercultural interaction.

Student FAQs

What COIL courses are available?

The following courses have been offered through COIL. COIL courses vary per semester. Please refer to your College’s course schedule for courses with the COIL attribute.

PSYT 1325 – Psychology of Death and Dying

DRAM 2355 – Script Analysis

ENVR 1301 – Environmental Science I

SPCH 1321 – Business & Professional Communication

MRKG – Customer Service Management

HRPO 1311 – Business Management

ARTS 1301 – Art Appreciation

BIOL 1407 – Biology for Science Majors II

MUEN 1132 – Instrumental Chamber Ensemble

CRIJ 1307 – Crime in America

ENGL 1301 – Composition I

COMM 1307 – Introduction to Mass Communication (Honors Course)

Which Colleges COIL?

All five Colleges may participate in COIL.

Which professors COIL at our Colleges?

The AlamoCOIL Village is open to all faculty. Our list of professors changes each semester and includes Dr. Jose Luis Moreno, Dr. Scott Walker, Dr. Alba DeLeon, Sabra Booth, Dr. Celestino Valentin, Dr. Marie Valentin, Melinda Zepeda, Dr. Aurelia Rocha, Dr. Yael Edrey, Andrea Fuentes, Brenya Buchalski, Ellen Walroth, Hector Garza, and Kahala Crayton.

How does COIL help me after graduation?

Students who successfully complete a COIL course may capture the completion on their experiential transcripts to demonstrate knowledge of global competencies. Students who are globally competent are highly sought after in the workforce.

How do I enroll in a COIL course?

Students may enroll in COIL courses through ACES during the regular registration period. COIL courses are marked on the appropriate College course schedule with the COIL attribute.

How much does a COIL class cost?

COIL courses are regular Alamo College District courses and do not cost extra. Simply enroll in a COIL course as you would any College course.

Can I use my financial aid for COIL courses?

Yes. You may use your financial aid to pay for COIL courses as you would any other course for which you enroll.

Are there prerequisites to participate in a COIL course?

COIL courses have the same prerequisites as the corresponding traditional courses. No additional prerequisites are required.

Do COIL courses count toward my degree plan?

It is possible. Depending on the COIL course you take, it may be part of your degree plan. All COIL courses count toward experiential learning and may be captured on your co-curricular transcript in AlamoEXPERIENCE. 

Is COIL part of the Alamo Global Student Distinction Program?

Students earn five co-curricular miles for each COIL course they complete. The more COIL courses you finish, the more miles you earn toward the Alamo Global Student Distinction Program. Miles are accumulated in your Alamo EXPERIENCE co-curricular transcript and correspond with your level of engagement in approved international activities.

Learn more about the AGS here

Can I earn a digital badge for completing COIL courses?

Yes, you may. Students may earn a maximum of three digital badges for the successful completion of COIL courses. Badges include Global and Cultural Openness, Global and Cultural Curiosity, and Global and Cultural Communication. Faculty works with our COIL Coordinators to assist students with completing a short questionnaire to earn their digital badge. 

AlamoCOIL Student Connection

Learn more about COIL courses, events, and the importance of virtual exchange programs toward experiential learning. Join the AlamoCOIL student family in AlamoEXPERIENCE.

Sign up here

Faculty Resource Suite

Alamo COIL Champions

AlamoCOIL Village (1).png

Faculty Open Application Period

Fall Call for Applications is from January - April. Spring Call for Applications is from October - November. There are a limited number of seats for new COIL Villagers each semester. Submit a COIL proposal below to join the next cohort.

Benefits to Faculty

The OIP will allocate financial resources to select activities to assist with the implementation of COIL throughout the Alamo Colleges District. These resources will include:

  • Paid professional development opportunities
  • Administrative support for partnering efforts
  • Regular recognition of COIL faculty champions
AlamoCOIL Basics
  • Can be created in any discipline; interdisciplinary collaborations work well
  • Encourages active student learning and teamwork Include an emphasis on cross-cultural interactions and understanding
  • Can be 5 - 15 weeks long
  • Are graded activities in each participating class
  • Can use any technology tools that serve the learning goals
Progression of COIL Module

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How Flexible is COIL?

COIL can be implemented with a variety of courses from a variety of disciplines. Including: Biology, Nursing, Psychology, Statistics, STEM, and English, to name a few.

Submit COIL Proposal

Faculty Profile Form

Send the completed form to:

AlamoCOIL

AlamoCOIL Partner Map

In order to develop successful COIL modules, we must have a variety of partners to choose from. Faculty have the option of choosing their own pre-existing Partner or choose from more than 160+ partners we gain access through joining the SUNY Global Partner Network (GPN) and the Latin America COIL Network.  

You can click on the icon to see which University/college we have a partnership with and review their information.

 

 

Join Our Partner Network

Attention current and potential foreign university partners: Learn more about COIL and how to partner with faculty at the five Colleges:

 

    

 

Contact Information:

Lindsey Kline, M.Ed

Coordinator of International Programs - COIL

Email: lkline2@alamo.edu

Phone: 210-485-0175