The University of Nairobi, in collaboration with Maseno University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Leibniz University Hannover (Germany), and Kibabii University, organized the second National Multiplication Training (NMT) workshop on Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). The event took place from June 12th to 14th, 2024, at Kisumu Hotel, Kenya. The workshop focused on the theme "The Role of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and Virtual Exchanges in Promoting Internationalization at Home in Higher Academic Institutions in Kenya."
This intensive training course is part of the DIES (Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies) programme, coordinated by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The NMT is designed to strengthen DIES alumni in their roles as multipliers in higher education management and to promote the sustainability of DIES training initiatives. Since 2017, the NMT programme has been coordinated by the University of Potsdam in Germany, with funding from DAAD, the German Rectors Conference (HRK), and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development Cooperation (BMZ).
Dr. Ezekiel Mecha, a senior lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Nairobi (UoN), led the organization of the workshop, along with Prof. Florence Indede from Maseno University and Dr. Ann Kirugumi from Dedan Kimathi University of Technology. The team received support from regional expert Prof. Julius Maiyo of Kibabii University and international expert Prof. Marcus Hoppe of Leibniz University Hannover, Germany.
The second COIL workshop followed a successful first workshop held from February 13th to 16th, 2024, at the Heron Portico Hotel, hosted by the University of Nairobi. The Kisumu workshop featured notable attendees, including Ms. Qin Xia, the DIES NMT Coordinator from the University of Potsdam, Ms. Margaret Kirai, the DAAD Deputy Director of the Nairobi regional office, and senior management from the University of Nairobi and Maseno University. Prof. Onyari, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Nairobi, represented the UoN Vice Chancellor and emphasized the importance of COIL technology in promoting internationalization at home programs.
The primary objective of the DIES NMT Kenya COIL workshop was to evaluate the status of participants' change projects, discuss their sustainability, and assess the impact they will have on their respective institutions. Participants had the opportunity to present their projects and learn from successful internationalization programs from institutions worldwide.
International speakers from various universities, including Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), University of Tennessee, Knoxville (USA), Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University (USA), and Schwäbisch Gmünd University of Education (Germany), shared their experiences with COIL programs.
The proceedings from the workshop were broadcast live on Kenya's leading television network, KTN News, and published in the Standard newspaper. Links to the coverage are available [here](https://youtu.be/qt1Q3t7GUA0?si=_K4J33lW5KpcZPv-) and [here](https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/counties/article/2001497805/kenyan-universities-urged-to-embrace-online-learning).
The DIES NMT Kenya 2023/24 training workshop on COIL has been embraced by numerous institutions, leading to its integration into their curricula. COIL technology serves as an alternative to physical mobility, promoting internationalization at home programs regionally.
Participants from the University of Nairobi included Dr. Ezekiel Mecha (organizer and team lead, Department of Biochemistry), Dr. Esther Kanduma (Department of Biochemistry), Mr. James Jacob Nabwile (Department of Biochemistry and a member of the secretariat), Dr. Teresia Mutavi (Faculty of Health Sciences), and Dr. Fedinard Mbeche (Faculty of Education).
The University of Nairobi's commitment to advancing Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) through the DIES National Multiplication Training workshop underscores its dedication to promoting internationalization at home. By fostering collaborations with global institutions and integrating COIL technology into academic programs, the University of Nairobi continues to enhance its role as a leader in higher education innovation in Kenya and beyond.
- Log in to post comments