Innovative Pedagogies COIL Workshop series: Designing a COIL Course or Module

CIVIS focus area: Staff training
Open to: Staff
Field of studies: Other
Type: Workshops on innovative pedagogies
Course dates: 15 December 2025
Apply by: 15 December 2025 Apply now

You are invited to the second session in our COIL workshop series, which will focus on the pedagogical design and curricular integration of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) course or module. Building on the foundations introduced in Workshop 1, this session will examine how to construct meaningful international learning experiences using established frameworks such as Project-Based Learning and Backwards Design. We will explore how to articulate global and intercultural intended learning outcomes, identify appropriate assessment strategies, and select collaborative activities that support both academic and intercultural development.

Participants will be introduced to the Glasgow COIL Curriculum Design Tool and will work with examples and templates to begin outlining their own course ideas. This session also invites critical reflection on the use of rubrics (e.g. AAC&U VALUE rubrics), inclusive assessment practices, and digital engagement formats suited for COIL.

No prior design work is expected; the workshop is intended to support academics at the exploratory or planning stage of a COIL initiative.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will:
1. Understand how to apply Backwards Design to COIL course development
2. Draft initial global and intercultural intended learning outcomes (ILOs)
3. Explore inclusive and authentic assessment strategies suitable for COIL
4. Begin outlining learning activities that support collaboration and engagement

Session 2 layout

2^nd workshop: 15/12 (Monday) from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (CET)
Duration: 90 minutes (online)
Audience: Academics and staff exploring or preparing to develop a COIL initiative
Goal: Support participants in designing a COIL course or module with defined outcomes, assessments, and learning activities.

Workshop Agenda

Time	Activity	Purpose
0:00–0:10	Welcome & Recap	Reconnect and summarise key takeaways from Workshop 1
0:10–0:25	Presentation: Curriculum Design Principles	Introduce key design frameworks and ILOs
0:25–0:45	Activity 1 – Writing ILOs	Draft global/intercultural learning outcomes using rubrics
0:45–1:00	Presentation: Assessment Strategies & COIL Tools	Explore meaningful, authentic assessment types
1:00–1:20	Activity 2 – Mapping Activities to ILOs	Plan collaborative learning activities using Glasgow COIL Tool
1:20–1:30	Wrap-Up and Next Steps	Clarify support options and preparation for Workshop 3

Activity Descriptions

Activity 1 – Writing ILOs

Using examples from the Global and Intercultural VALUE Rubrics, participants draft or refine Intended Learning Outcomes aligned with COIL principles. Participants may use their own course or hypothetical scenarios for practice.

Activity 2 – Mapping Activities to ILOs

Using the Glasgow COIL Curriculum Design Tool, participants map learning activities to outcomes, considering inclusivity, collaboration, and the role of technology. Sharing in small groups is encouraged to generate ideas and feedback.

APPLY NOW

No prior design work is expected; the workshop is intended to support academics at the exploratory or planning stage of a COIL initiative.

Dr Gabriella Rodolico is Director of Internationalisation and Senior Lecturer in Science Education at the University of Glasgow’s School of Education. She leads global engagement by embedding systems-thinking approaches, expanding Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), and enhancing student and staff mobility through innovative, inclusive pedagogies.

A recognised educational innovator, she integrates virtual/extended reality (VR/XR) and generative AI into learning and teaching. She has led international VR projects, funded, for example, by British Council Going Global, building capacity with platforms such as ClassVR Avantis and HTC Vive Focus, and installing immersive technologies such as the Edify pod at the School of Education.

In COIL, Dr Rodolico designs and scales project-based, cross-institutional modules that connect Glasgow students with peers worldwide through co-taught, synchronous and asynchronous learning. Her approach prioritises intercultural competence, and aligns assessment across partners to embed COIL within programmes rather than as an add-on.

Her work includes co-leading the XR in Education White Paper, developing the widely adopted Generative AI in Education MOOC, and implementing COIL as a core internationalisation-at-a-distance experience that demonstrably improves student learning and outcomes. Her contributions have been recognised with the LearnSci Teaching Innovation Award (2021) and highlighted by Education Scotland and the Scottish Government.