Design and Evaluation of Soft Skills Development for University Students Through COIL Methodology: A Longitudinal Case Study (2020 – 2025)

Ruiz E.A.S.; Meisel-Donoso C.A.; Sanabria H. · ICACIT 2025 - Proceedings: 11th International Symposium on Accreditation of Engineering and Computing Education (2025) · DOI: 10.1109/icacit66767.2025.11369591

Resumen

This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a multi-edition Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) experience developed since 2020 between Universidad de Piura (Peru) and Universidad de Ibagué (Colombia). The initiative aimed to foster soft skills among undergraduate students in engineering and business programs through virtual teamwork and intercultural collaboration. Across ten editions carried out between 2020 and 2025, different student cohorts engaged in project-based learning on real-world topics such as the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), the DHL Trend Radar, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each edition followed a four-phase structure: Kick-off, Collaborative Work, Results Presentation, and Final Reflection. Digital tools such as Padlet, Flipgrid, and video conferencing supported communication and student engagement. Evaluation results indicate that over 80% of participants reported significant improvement in communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. These findings reinforce the effectiveness of COIL as a pedagogical strategy to promote digital competence, intercultural awareness, and holistic professional development in higher education.

Instituciones: Universidad de Piura