COIL-Group "History Squad - Legends of the Past"
© John Schnobrich / Unsplash
UNO
Geoff
Cas
Devin
UIBK
Hannah
Nora
Fabian
Vanessa
Description
This university course has given us the opportunity to experience a port of the complexities of cultural exchange. Especially through these group activities and exchanges in the break-out-rooms , we had the opportunity to learn more about studying and living in the US and in Austria - about our day-to-day life, about the university system and about our experiences as (history) students in these two countries. Additionally, this kind of course which is held (partly) online teaches us about the possibilities of using digital media within a course for international collaboration.
Personally, this course has been a journey of self-discovery and intellectual growth. It has heightened our appreciation for cultural diversity and underscored the importance of fostering mutual understanding in our interconnected world. The realization that history is not a stagnant narrative but a living, evolving entity has inspired a newfound curiosity to explore the interwoven threads of cultures.
Furthermore this course gave us an insight into the creation of a podcast and the preparatory and follow-up work that needs to be done. We got involved with a person and their research and prepared questions to conduct an interview. This differs significantly from the tasks that are usually carried out at the University of Innsbruck. In connection with the international exchange, this has shown us the possibilities of new ways of research and intercultural cooperation.
The university course on cultural exchange and history has been a rich and enlightening experience. It has equipped me with a nuanced understanding of creating a podcast, researching the oeuvre of a person and working in an intercultural environment. As we navigate the complexities of our globalized society, the lessons learned in this course will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light in fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
In terms of the COIL, the difference between the school systems seemed very fascinating. Also the fact that you get access to other knowledge, get to know different perspectives and train your language skills. However the interaction was not as ideal as it would have been in person because of some technical and communication problems.
From UNO
The University of New Orleans and the University of Innsbruck embarked on a new development with their decades-long partnership through the establishment of a new method of learning, known as collaborative online international learning, or COIL. The goal of COIL is to take advantage of emerging technology to allow students to learn about other cultures from around the world, without ever leaving their homes. Through the digital classroom, students from Austria and the United States interacted and shared their experiences in university, and highlighted the similarities and differences between the two cultures.
The ongoing discussions included learning about the differences in American and European higher education, to include grading systems, the method of payment for education, and history of the universities. More broadly, students shared what their perceptions of each other’s cultures were before and after beginning class together, what off-campus activities they engage in, and what everyone’s favorite foods are.
Collaborative online international learning offers a unique opportunity to illuminate how people live in other cultures and how they navigate their individual educational journeys.