ELIA initiates COIL and GNL program

Texts by Mr. Jerome L. Duque (External Linkages and International Affairs)

Photos by Mr. June Adel S. Guerrero and Mr. John Paul Q. Gordovin  (External Linkages and International Affairs)

Powered by Innovation Laboratory (iLab) and ignited by the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Bayanihan COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) project, the External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA) initiated the TAU (Tarlac Agricultural University) CONNECT (Converging Networked-learning Environments through Communication Technologies) which will be offered in the first semester of academic year 2023-2024. 

TAU CONNECT envisions fully integrating COIL and Globally-Networked Learning (GNL) in the design and implementation of curriculum to accelerate the standardization of degree programs in support of transnational higher education and in collaboration with higher education institutions (HEIs) TAU has an existing bilateral agreement with and those who seek to forge an institutional alliance with the university.

A total of 48 registered participants from TAU’s six colleges took part in the two-day Onboarding and Orientation Program for the TAU CONNECT Participants at the Farmers’ Training Center on 18-19 May. 

During the said affair, TAU President, Dr. Max P. Guillermo remarked that TAU CONNECT “shall serve as our university’s arm to maximize technology to continue collaborating with our partners” following his sharing of views regarding the ways in which the pandemic has impacted and transformed the higher education sector. “Truly, we are becoming #TAUGlobal because of our concerted efforts,” Dr. Guillermo affirmed.

Internationalization (IZN) experts were invited to steer lectures on GNL and COIL. Dr. Helen Balderama and Dr. Dominique Scheffel-Dunand from York University together with Ms. Chelsey Laird from British Columbia Council For International Education (BCCIE) facilitated the session on GNL operations in Canada.

Meanwhile, Dr. Erwin G. Faller, Director of San Pedro College’s (SPC) International Affairs, shared how SPC was able to use COIL effectively in promoting sustainable academic development. SPC is considered by many IZN practitioners as one of the model COIL implementers including Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, ELIA Director, who calls it “best in the Philippines” owing to its steadfast commitment and exemplary leadership in COIL since its adoption.

Aside from engaging with the speakers, the participants also accomplished their course details and individualized plans of action which they presented at the second day of the training. Ms. Aira Waje, faculty member of College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) and one of the three best presenters, stated that she decided to use COIL/GNL for cultural exposure and partnership opportunities. Ms. Waje was recognized alongside Mr. Mark Lawrence Dupitas from the College of Education (CED) and Ms. Venus P. Benitez from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).  

#TAUGlobal #COIL #GNL #TAUCONNECT #YorkU #SPC