At the University of Houston, a new initiative transforms students' engagement with the world. Dr. Melody Yunzi Li, an assistant professor of Chinese Studies, spearheads this transformation through the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program. Supported by the Texas International Education Fund (TIEF) from TIEC, and in partnership with National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), the program is a testament to how international collaboration, fueled by modern technology, can transcend borders and reshape the academic landscape. In an interview, Dr. Li shared her experiences and insights into the COIL program, its impact on students, and the challenges and rewards of leading such a unique educational endeavor.
By Saleha Soadat
Empowering Global Education Through Virtual Exchange
The Texas International Education Fund (TIEF) is an initiative supporting innovative educational projects across our member campuses. TIEC is excited to offer this support in our pursuit to empower Texas universities to offer global educational experiences.
Dr. Melody Yunzi Li’s personal experience as an international student drives her commitment to fostering similar opportunities for her students. “I was an international student for many years, and exposure to diverse cultures significantly impacted my academic path. Programs like this really provide students with the chance to explore cultures firsthand and develop a global perspective,” Dr. Li said.
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), a specific form of virtual exchange, allows educators to connect students from different cultures and locations through cooperative online projects. COIL is part of a broader movement toward virtual exchange, enabling students to engage in cross-border learning without the need for travel. Dr. Li has embraced this approach to promote global collaboration and cultural understanding. In her Tales of East Asian Cities course, students from both the University of Houston (UH) and National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) explore the cultural and historical significance of cities like Taipei and Houston. By working together on joint projects, they not only deepen their knowledge but also build lasting international connections.
“This collaboration has been an amazing experience, not only for the students but also for me as an educator. It has broadened horizons, encouraged critical thinking, and fostered empathy across cultures,” Dr. Li emphasized.
Navigating Time Zones and Building Connections
Coordinating a course across continents is no small feat. With a 13-hour time difference between Houston and Taiwan, scheduling live interactions was one of the hurdles. The collaboration didn’t stop at overcoming time zones. Through this partnership, students were exposed to diverse working styles and cultural expectations, and they learned to navigate different communication norms. These experiences enhanced their academic understanding and equipped them with skills that will be invaluable in their professional lives. As Dr. Li noted, “With interest, cultural and logistical differences can be overcome in today’s world of technology.”
The integration of cutting-edge technology has been a standout feature of virtual exchange programs like the one led by Dr. Li. In her course, students used augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create immersive exhibits of the cities they studied, transforming abstract concepts into interactive experiences. The technology they employed demonstrates how virtual exchange can harness innovative teaching methods to deepen cross-cultural understanding.
“The students amazed me with their ability to bring cities like Shanghai and Tokyo to life through AR and VR,” Dr. Li said. These virtual exhibits allowed students to engage with the material in new and exciting ways, making the learning process more dynamic. It also provided them with valuable technical skills that will serve them well in today’s world where digital tools are increasingly essential for global collaboration.
By incorporating AR and VR into the curriculum, the program made learning more engaging and helped students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These are exactly the kinds of competencies that TIEC seeks to foster through its member institutions in Texas and beyond, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate the demands of a globalized, digital world.
Rich Cultural Exchange and Shared Experiences
Beyond the inventive use of technology, virtual exchanges like this one offer students valuable opportunities for cultural exchange. Guest lectures, such as one delivered by Dr. Eugene Jung from National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) on Taiwanese cinema, brought fresh perspectives into the classroom. However, it wasn’t just the formal academic content that fostered connections. During one of their Zoom sessions, a minor earthquake hit Taiwan. Students in Houston watched in real time as their peers experienced the tremor — a moment that underscored the immediacy of their collaboration and their shared humanity.
These real-world interactions demonstrate the power of virtual exchanges to transcend traditional educational boundaries. The students truly lived shared experiences, building empathy and understanding that extended far beyond the syllabus. As Dr. Li noted, “Cultural exchange is more than facts — it’s forming connections that go beyond the classroom.”
Another resourceful aspect of Dr. Li’s course was the use of Open Educational Resources (OER). Instead of relying on traditional textbooks, students co-created a collaborative textbook by contributing their own analyses of films, literature, and cultural artifacts. This approach empowered students to take ownership of their learning and made the course more accessible and inclusive.
“The OER project allowed students to contribute to a meaningful academic resource,” Dr. Li explained. This initiative deepened students’ engagement with the course material and created a lasting resource for future learners. By promoting the use of free, open-access materials, the COIL program ensured that all students, regardless of financial background, had equal access to high-quality learning resources.
Building for the Future: Expanding Global Collaboration
Looking ahead, Dr. Li is excited about the future of virtual exchanges within courses at UH. She and her colleagues are already discussing expanding the program beyond her current course to involve more disciplines, students, and institutions.
“This program has shown us what’s possible when we bring together students from different cultural backgrounds to collaborate and learn from one another,” Dr. Li said.
By continuing to expand the program, she hopes to create even more opportunities for students to develop the skills, knowledge, and empathy needed to succeed in a globalized world.
A Lasting Impact: TIEC’s Support for Global Education
A virtual exchange program like Dr. Li’s course at the University of Houston is more than an academic exercise — it is a platform for building lasting relationships, developing critical global competencies, and fostering a more interconnected world. TIEC’s support for this initiative through the first year of the TIEF reflects a belief in the transformative power of international education. We are proud to empower and provide resources to individual faculty on our member campuses to bring experiences like this one to an even greater number of students.
The impact of the TIEF grant has created an environment where students can engage with the world and learn through meaningful, cross-border teamwork. As this initiative continues to grow, it will inspire more students and faculty to embrace the opportunities and challenges of global collaboration. TIEC’s support, through TIEF, empowers individual professors like Dr. Li across Texas campuses to bring innovative projects to life, ensuring that the spirit of international education remains a driving force in higher learning.
