Conclusion

An Instructor’s Final Reflection on COIL- Business Innovation for sustainability 2023

COIL project came on the right time for me. This was my first involvement, and it was a start for many more to come. I consider it as recent way of E-learning used as one of the methods to teach which should be introduced to many countries. Regardless how hard it might be in terms of coordination, we should adapt and adopt it because the world is moving to technology application in all sectors, including education. Adaptability is one of the seven values of the University of Mpumalanga, my institution, which is about “acknowledging our everchanging knowledge contexts, institutional environments, and social situations and therefore the need to promote and foster adaptability”. My personal refection on the entire project is about four points: firstly, COIL as pedagogical way of constructivism and connectivism theories of learning, secondary COIL’s contribution to SDGs, thirdly its effectiveness and lastly its role to my global professional networking.

Fist point: during implementation, I released that COIL Project applied connectivism learning theory. The theory’s underlying principles were all implemented. Under COIL connectivism theory was applied as follow:
1. Learning and knowledge were built on different and diverse opinions as the groups were formed by students from different universities, countries and continents. More importantly they were from different level of studies and doing different qualifications though related.
2. Maintaining connections was needed to make sure that facilitation of a continual learning take place: students formed WhatsApp groups, had weekly zoom meetings and had to report with evidence that they have been meeting.
3. The purpose of learning activities was accurate and up-to-date knowledge: the fact that the participants had to interview local businesses and find out how the SDGs are being implemented by the businesses is something confirming current information.
4. Decision-making was itself a learning process: participants had to decide on which company they will work with out of many from different countries. That was not an easy decision to make but eventually all groups reached a consensus.

The fact that learning is changing continuously, and knowledge is no longer about specific person, place or time COIL is the way in this era of technology.

Another learning theory which was implemented is constructivism where the students were in the center of all activities. Students were communicating with each other, they were sharing their understanding, feelings, knowledge and experience to come up with the new knowledge based on the tasks given. We, the lecturers/faculties were just the facilitators. The students were encouraged to interact and exchange their views and experiences to construct a meaning which by the end was shared through the posters and their group and individual reflections.

Second point: COIL contributes to SDGs by tasking university students to find businesses and interview them to learn on which SDGs they are focusing on. This was achieved through informed discussions among all groups. Students were all able to share their countries’ historical experiences in terms of economy, social challenges and current conditions. In addition, how COIL grouped its participants that’s itself promotes SDG 17 which is partnership.

Third point: it is about the effectiveness of COIL project. It helped me to teach students about SDGs without using a textbook. Also, our students learnt how Businesses are contributing toward achieving sustainable development goals. With interactions I had with some of the participants they shared their own observations through entire projects. They indicated that some businesses are not specifically aware of SDGs and that where the project comes in, bring awareness to the businesses about the global goals and enabling them to realize that they are addressing those goals they just don’t know it as yet. In addition, our students got opportunity to learn how businesses are done from different countries, they were amazed by engaging with other students from different universities and surprisingly some even learnt about different time zones. Furthermore, COIL published our students’ stories on the Aim2Flourish website to further educate other people about how innovative businesses are around the world and about SDGs. Students also received an international certificate of participation.

Last point: COIL project brought to me a large global Professional network which is made by colleagues from the following countries: Canada, Kenya, Indonesia, Spain and USA. I believe this network will grow even further to more than it is currently. This network will help me in the future collaboration beyond COIL, through research, engagement projects and as visiting Professor during sabbatical leaves.
I cannot finish writing of this reflection without providing my acknowledgement. First of all, I would like to thank Professor Ruben Burga for introducing me to this amazing learning platform. His coordination of this entire project from planning to implementation is very commendable. You could see his passion, motivation and unending guidance he provided to all of us, aren’t easy to describe. In addition, I would like to thank Romina for her administrative skill and patience during the implementation of the project. How she communicated with students and colleagues. Furthermore, all colleagues who participated in the project, your inputs through meetings, guiding your students and motivating them to make sure that they meet what was expected from them is admirable. You really did amazing and excellent work. Well done. Like our Colleague Mary Ragui said at the beginning that “we can do it, we will do it, we must do it; therefore, we have no choice”.

Ferdinand Niyimbanira – Instructor, University of Mpumalanga