WEBQUESTS AS A MEDIUM FOR IMPLEMENTING COLLABORATIVE ONLINE INTERNATIONAL LEARNING (COIL) PROJECTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46991/FLSP.2025.25.053Keywords:
collaborative projects, virtual exchange, Project-Based Learning, WebQuests, cross-border networking, critical thinkingAbstract
With the advent of Information and Communication of Technologies (ICT), Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects have become a vital component of university education, connecting higher educational institutions (HEIs) worldwide. This form of virtual exchange enables students to engage in meaningful cross-cultural communication and collaboration, thereby fostering the internationalization of higher education. The methodological framework of this article lies in the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL) as a means of fostering students' critical thinking and creativity. This article underscores the effectiveness of integrating PBL into COIL projects as a strategy for enhancing student learning outcomes. The study aims to demonstrate that incorporating WebQuest creation within a PBL framework will lead to meaningful learning experiences. The article presents the effectiveness of a COIL experience implemented between São Paulo State Technological Colleges (Brazil) and Yerevan State University (Armenia) in February-March 2024. The project engaged students in creating seven WebQuests collaboratively in international teams based on the provided themes. The results of the study indicate that integrating WebQuest creation as a PBL medium enhances students’ ability to create resources, which could serve as learning materials in HEIs. The results of the survey conducted after the project reveal a generally positive experience with this COIL project. The study concludes that implementation of such initiatives should be fostered in the educational process.
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