Durban University of Technology (DUT) Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) hosted a special recognition event at the ML Sultan Conference Room on the 5 November 2024. The ceremony aimed to honour and acknowledge the dedication and participation of DUT’s COIL Champions, who have actively contributed to fostering global collaboration, innovation, and academic excellence through their engagement.
The COIL initiative enhances teaching and learning by cultivating intercultural competence within shared, diverse learning spaces. By facilitating cross-border interactions between university educators and students from varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds, COIL enables enriching exchanges of ideas and perspectives. Through strategic partnerships with universities across continents, DUT’s COIL initiative bridges geographical divides, fostering global connections and meaningful collaborations. Developed within the International Education Partnership (IEP) Directorate, DUT’s COIL initiative was launched in 2016.
The ceremony was facilitated by Ms Lindelwa Mkhize, COIL Coordinator at the IEP. Dr Divinia Jithoo, a specialist in International Education welcomed all the guests from the venue and to those who attended the event online. She further emphasised that graduates of the programme will be well-equipped to succeed due to their exposure to multicultural experiences, fostering a unique ability to navigate diverse perspectives and environments.
Ms Carol Newman, International Education Officer, highlighted that DUT COIL has significantly enhanced the institution’s image, attracted more partners and strengthened existing relationships. She showcased the programme’s developments, including COIL LAB and COIL Podcast.
Newman shared testimonials from students, noting that COIL has instilled confidence to study abroad, overcoming previous hesitations, and boosted their self-confidence. Additionally, she emphasised two key benefits for students participating in COIL: increased intercultural awareness and engagement in global problem-solving.
Dr Dudu Sokhela from the Department of Nursing was introduced by Dr Penny Orton to participate in the COIL programme. “Our students are not straight out of high school, but they are already qualified and registered nurses who have come to us to specialise. They were specialising in B-Tech Primary Health Care,” added Dr Sokhela.
She congratulated Sithabile Mazeka on two significant milestones on graduating with a master’s degree in September and transitioning into an academic role as a lecturer at Port Shepstone Nursing College, where Mazeka will share expertise gained from class and on the project where she was a participant. Dr Sokhela ended by announcing her official retirement.
The CoiLers showcased their exceptional COIL/International Virtual Engagement (IVE) projects through outstanding presentation which are: Prof Sanja Bauk, Dr Anna Johanna Cathari Womack, Dr Benita Bobo, Dr Charlene Pillay, Dr Sibongile Zulu and her students, Dr Zakheeya Armoed, Ms Penelope Youngleson, and Lindani Mthembu, a talented student from the Drama Department. These ‘COILers’ successfully demonstrated the profound impact of collaborative online international learning, highlighting innovative approaches to global engagement and academic exchange.
Dr Divinia Jithoo, alongside Lindelwa Mkhize, proudly announced the COIL Champions, honoring outstanding individuals for their exceptional contributions. The esteemed recipients included: Dr Charlene Pillay, Dr Benita Bobo, Dr Dudu Sokhela, Ms Bibi Ayesha Mall and Vezubuhle Dlamini. The event was well-attended, both in-person and online, with notable attendees including Dr Anna Johanna Cathari Womack and Professor Sanja Bauk, who joined virtually.
Vezubuhle Dlamini, a third year in Bachelor of Education student from Pietermaritzburg, highlighted the benefits of joining COIL at DUT. “COIL has been instrumental in boosting my confidence and improving my English language skills,” Dlamini noted. Dlamini also shared the challenges faced by his group, including technical issues, language barriers, and time zone coordination difficulties.
“To fully leverage COIL’s potential, DUT students must be sensitive to and respectful of the cultural backgrounds of their peers from diverse continents, such as the United States and Germany,” added Dlamini.
Dr Lavern Samuels, Director of IEP, highlighted DUT’s unique engagement strategy, blending local and global perspectives. “By connecting with our community and students locally, and participating in global conversations, we create an environment that recognises the interconnected relationship between global and local contexts, producing graduates adaptable to an ever-changing world,” explained Dr Samuels.
He also urged the COILers to recruit peers from their respective departments, encouraging them to participate in the COIL project and broaden its impact. He extended heartfelt congratulations to both seasoned and new COIL champions for recognising the value of DUT’s COIL initiative.
Pictured: The DUT COILers were honoured as the champions at ML Sultan for their hard work and dedication.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya/Vukani Langa
