Challenging stereotypes through virtual exchange & digital storytelling

1. Students will develop intercultural competencies through working collaboratively with students from other institutions and diverse cultural backgrounds.
2. Students will be able to critically evaluate and reflect on the impact of stereotypes on individuals and society.
3. Students will be provided with a model for digital exchange and working with stereotypes to use and adapt in their own future teaching practices

This project is designed for students enrolled in a Teacher Education program. However, the project could be adapted for use in classrooms as well.

COIL is an approach that connects students from culturally, linguistically, and geographically diverse locations in an online learning environment in order to promote collaboration and the development of intercultural competence. By collaborating interculturally, students are asked to step outside their comfort zones and to question the status quo and "norms" of their own experience when presented with diverse perspectives. This provides space for reflection, intercultural dialogue, critical thinking, and perspective awareness, which can in turn contribute to the questioning of stereotypes and increased focus on inclusion and diversity.

A COIL project starts with finding partner institutions that are interested in collaborating. Once institutions have agreed to collaborate, it is important to discuss all practical details that will influence the project to ensure that the project has equal weight and importance. Students are then placed into peer-groups and work collaboratively on the 4 phases of the project. Once the project is completed, it is importnat that the instructors provide opportunity for post-task reflection, evaluation, and consideration of the impact of the project.