NAGA CITY, Philippines — The Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) College of Education and the University of Alicante (UA) in Spain concluded in April 2026 a pilot implementation of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), bringing together Filipino and Spanish students in a shared virtual classroom.
Anchored in internationalization and intercultural exchange, the pilot connected students across continents through synchronous and asynchronous sessions that enabled them to co-explore perspectives, co-construct knowledge, and engage in guided reflection. Faculty facilitators noted that the collaboration enhanced students’ critical thinking, cultural awareness, and ability to apply concepts in authentic contexts.

The initiative was jointly designed and implemented by three faculty members from ADNU and three from UA, who aligned learning outcomes, co-developed course activities, and facilitated shared outputs, discussions, and intercultural reflections throughout the program.

Three course pairings comprised the pilot: Language Learning Materials Development (ADNU), led by Paolo Jose R. Silang, in collaboration with English: Reading, Writing, and Text-based Teaching Methodology in Primary Education (UA), led by Javier Fernández Molina; Facilitating Learner-Centered Teaching (ADNU), led by Marianne A. Permale, partnered with the UNESCO Chair in Education, Research, and Digital Inclusion (UA), led by Verónica Onrubia Martinez; and Peace Education (ADNU), led by Maria Luz T. Badiola, linked with Habilidades Comunicativas y Lectoescritura en Castellano (UA), led by María Soledad Villarrubia Zúñiga.

The COIL engagement forms part of the SPARK-COIL Project—Strengthen and Promote Academic Agility, Resilience, and Knowledge Exchange through Collaborative Online International Learning—supported by Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE). The project is recognized as the first of its kind implemented by a Philippine consortium, advancing collaborative and sustainable internationalization initiatives in higher education.

The initiative underscores Ateneo de Naga University’s continuing efforts to expand global partnerships and enhance teacher education through innovative, technology-enabled learning environments.

Photo credits: ADNU College of Education Facebook