NAGA CITY, Philippines — June 26, 2026 — The College of Education of Ateneo de Naga University successfully conducted the two-day SPARK-COIL Institutional Replication Training for COIL Champions on June 25–26, 2026, at the SPARK-COIL Laboratory (D218), bringing together faculty members from various colleges committed to advancing global and intercultural learning through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).
Carrying the theme “Global Partnerships, Local Impact: Reimagining Education through SPARK-COIL” the training forms part of the sustainability and institutionalization initiatives of the SPARK-COIL Project, an Erasmus+-funded international collaboration involving the five Ateneo universities in the Philippines and partner institutions in Spain and Poland. The replication training aims to expand the university’s pool of COIL Champions who will spearhead the integration of globally networked learning experiences across disciplines.
The program commenced with an opening ceremony led by Dr. Maria Luz T. Badiola, SPARK-COIL Project Manager, who welcomed the participants and underscored the significance of COIL in advancing Ateneo de Naga University’s commitment to internationalization, quality education, and global citizenship. An inspirational message was delivered by Dr. Digna P. Alba, Vice President for Higher Education, who encouraged faculty members to embrace innovative pedagogies that prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
The first day of the training introduced participants to the foundations of the SPARK-COIL Project and the principles of Collaborative Online International Learning. Paolo Jose R. Silang, COIL Champion, provided an overview of the project before Dr. Badiola discussed the fundamentals of COIL as an innovative approach to internationalizing higher education through virtual collaboration.
Participants then explored the pedagogical foundations of COIL through sessions on constructive alignment, assessment and evaluation, and intercultural communication. Marianne A. Permale, COIL Champion, facilitated the session on planning and designing COIL courses, while Paolo Jose R. Silang led discussions on designing assessments that cultivate students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The day concluded with Dr. Badiola’s session on intercultural communication, competence, and sensitivity, emphasizing the role of cultural awareness in fostering meaningful international collaborations.
The second day focused on the practical implementation of COIL initiatives. Joshua C. Martinez, Chief Information and Technology Officer, introduced participants to digital technologies that enhance learner engagement in globally connected classrooms. Dr. Marshal Q. Murillo, Executive Assistant to the President, demonstrated strategies for building international academic partnerships and navigating the SPARK-COIL platform to identify prospective collaborators.
To prepare participants for actual implementation, Marianne A. Permale facilitated discussions on addressing common challenges in COIL implementation and sustaining international collaborations. The afternoon workshop, led by Dr. Badiola, enabled participants to develop their respective COIL implementation plans and formally sign their commitment as members of the university’s second cohort of COIL Champions.
The training concluded with a synthesis facilitated by Paolo Jose R. Silang, followed by the training evaluation, awarding of certificates, and a photo session celebrating the participants’ successful completion of the program.
Through the replication training, the College of Education continues to strengthen Ateneo de Naga University’s internationalization agenda by equipping educators with the competencies necessary to design globally connected learning experiences, establish meaningful international partnerships, and cultivate intercultural competence among students. The initiative likewise reinforces the University’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
As the SPARK-COIL community continues to grow, the newly trained COIL Champions are expected to lead the integration of international collaborative learning into their respective courses, ensuring that more students gain access to transformative global learning experiences—without leaving the classroom.
SPARK the world, one COIL at a time.
Photo credits: ADNU College of Education Facebook
