COIL for Sustainable Development: Shaping Higher Education in Ibero-America

Empowering Global Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

"COIL for Sustainable Development: Shaping Higher Education in Ibero-America" addresses the growing need for higher education institutions to integrate global perspectives and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their curricula. This innovative program uses Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) to connect educators across Ibero-America, fostering cross-cultural collaboration

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Updated April 2025

Web presence

2024

Established

50 2025

6

Countries

Teachers

Target group

We hope this program builds a lasting network of higher education professionals across Spain, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This network will foster inspiration, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, driving innovation in education and supporting the shared goal of a more sustainable and just world.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

"COIL for Sustainable Development: Shaping Higher Education in Ibero-America" was created to empower educators in Spain, Latin America, and the Caribbean to integrate SDGs into teaching via Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). The program promotes global citizenship, intercultural collaboration, and sustainable, inclusive education, equipping students to tackle global challenges.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

This program offers a dynamic, collaborative online learning experience for higher education professionals. Educators from Spain, Latin America, and the Caribbean engage in both synchronous and asynchronous activities to discuss global education, sustainability, and the SDGs. The program uses active learning methods to train educators in the COIL methodology, designing virtual international learning spaces for students to collaborate across cultures. Participants receive feedback from peers and facilitators on their final projects, ensuring they are impactful. After the program, they implement their COIL projects with continued support for up to four weeks. The program also builds a global network of educators in Iberoamerica who continue collaborating beyond the program, exchanging ideas and advancing sustainable development.

How has it been spreading?

The program has built a strong community of educators across Spain, Latin America, and the Caribbean, allowing them to share their experiences, knowledge, and successes. This network encourages word-of-mouth recommendations, where participants spread the impact of the program within their institutions and among peers.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

The program may ask you to complete a survey to understand your needs, expectations, and level of experience. This will help tailor the program to your context and ensure you're selected based on your interest and commitment.

Media

We are thrilled to invite higher education professionals from across Ibero-America to participate in dynamic COIL projects from April to October 2025. To explore these projects and connect with the project leaders, visit our virtual gallery! This gallery showcases 16 innovative COIL projects developed by participants of the "COIL en Clave ODS para la Educación Superior en Iberoamérica" program.

Implementation steps

Step 1: Application Process

Complete the Application Form: Interested participants need to complete an application form that includes personal information and details about their educational institution. This form also includes a needs-assessment survey to understand each participant's context and objectives. Preselected participants will need to submit a brief letter of recommendation from their institution or a colleague who can speak to their commitment to international collaboration.

Step 2: Preparation for the Program

Join the Google Classroom: Participants who are admitted gain access to Google Classroom, where course materials, resources, and activities are uploaded.
Review the Orientation Materials: Prior to the first session, participants are encouraged to explore course materials, including the program outline, expected outcomes, and assessment criteria.
Prepare for the First Synchronous Session: At the first virtual meeting, participants meet their peers and get an overview of the program.

Step 3: Engage with Asynchronous Activities

Complete Assignments: Each module has accompanying assignments. Participants complete these asynchronously before the next synchronous session. These tasks involve research, reflection, and collaboration on various global and SDG-related topics.
Engage in Discussions: Online discussions or peer collaboration activities give participants the chance to exchange ideas with fellow colleagues. This helps build their intercultural knowledge and think critically about global education.

Step 4: Participate in Synchronous Sessions

Join Live Sessions via Zoom: Participants attend weekly live Zoom sessions, where they interact with facilitators and peers to discuss global education, SDGs, and how to integrate them into teaching.
Collaborate in Breakout Groups: During live sessions, participants engage in breakout groups where they collaborate on specific challenges or design educational strategies that incorporate SDGs and promote intercultural understanding.

Step 5: Design COIL Projects

Develop COIL Project: Participants design a collaborative online international learning experience that integrates SDGs. Projects should involve collaboration between students from different Iberoamerican countries to work on shared global challenges.
Submit Your Project Plan: Each COIL project plan undergoes peer review and facilitator feedback to ensure quality and relevance. Proposals must clearly articulate their objectives, anticipated outcomes, and effective SDG integration.

Step 6: Present your Final Project

Prepare a Presentation: At the end of the program, participants present their COIL project to their peers and facilitators. This is an opportunity to showcase their innovative educational strategies and receive constructive feedback.
Receive Feedback: Everyone takes note of feedback to refine their project, making sure it’s impactful in both local and global contexts.

Step 7: Implement the COIL Project

Put Your Project into Action: Participants have 3-6 months to use the strategies they’ve learned to implement their projects and facilitate collaborative online international learning experiences that incorporate the SDGs.
Track and Report Progress: The outcomes and impact of each COIL project on student learning and global awareness are documented in a comprehensive report. These findings are shared with peers and program facilitators to foster reflection, feedback, and continuous improvement.

Step 8: Receive Ongoing Support

Access Ongoing Support: Facilitators remain available for up to four weeks after the program ends to assist participants with project implementation and address any challenges that may arise.
Foster Ongoing Collaboration: Participants continue to engage with a vibrant network of educators across Ibero-America, sharing progress, exchanging best practices, and developing new partnerships that strengthen global efforts toward sustainable education.