The Importance of Incorporating Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) in Construction Management Education
Conference
Calle Müller, C, Kayyali, M, Santaniello, P et al. (2026). The Importance of Incorporating Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) in Construction Management Education
. 4 302-312. 10.1061/9780784486993.031
Calle Müller, C, Kayyali, M, Santaniello, P et al. (2026). The Importance of Incorporating Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) in Construction Management Education
. 4 302-312. 10.1061/9780784486993.031
Higher education institutions should provide collaborative, global, and intercultural experiences that prepare students to navigate diverse socio-cultural contexts. Collaborative online international learning (COIL) enables students and faculty to engage with peers worldwide through online teaching, learning, and research. Despite its potential, there is limited research on the impact of integrating COIL into Construction Management (CM) curricula. To address this gap, this study explores the importance and benefits of COIL in CM education, focusing on its impact on (1) fostering global and intercultural competence; (2) developing transferable skills such as leadership, adaptability, teamwork, communication, and project management; and (3) enhancing student motivation and engagement. The study also investigates factors that motivate students to participate in COIL experiences. This research surveyed 120 students in three sustainability-focused CM courses at a large US minority-serving institution and a leading Latin American university. The findings underscore the value of COIL in preparing students for professional success and supporting the construction industry by equipping future professionals with skills for effective collaboration and leadership in a diverse, evolving, and global workforce. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by highlighting the practical benefits of COIL integration in CM education and offering guidance for future curriculum design.
