Prof. Cheryl Loadman

Invited Speech: Beyond Borders: Embedding Real-World Business Skills in VE/COIL for Transformative Student Learning

Biography:

Cheryl Loadman is a professor at Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan teaching International Business and Business Negotiation. For the past 3 years she has been including COIL as part of her classroom learning experience, having now had a total of 32 COIL/VE involving universities/TEC from Mexico, South America Europe and CHINA. Each  experience is tailored to meet the needs of the course, learning objectives and student's.  Cheryl is also working closely with a colleague, Dr. Dorner, from TEC DE Monterrey on publishing their findings on their work together in COIL.

Abstract:

As Virtual Exchange (VE) and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) become increasingly integrated into business education, there is a growing need to move beyond cultural exposure as the primary goal. This session—led by a joint team of academic and business professionals—explores how VE/COIL initiatives can be intentionally designed to prioritize transformative skill development through real-world, applied learning experiences.

Drawing on insights from over 32 VE/COIL collaborations, many centered on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we share innovative models that focus learning around high-impact business competencies such as critical analysis, advanced problem-solving, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. Case studies and student reflections demonstrate how these approaches foster higher-order thinking and professional competencies aligned with employer needs—while still allowing authentic intercultural learning to emerge organically through engagement with meaningful global challenges.

Participants will gain practical strategies for designing VE/COIL projects that center on business relevance and professional applicability, including:

• Student-led course design and facilitation around macro-regional business challenges;
• Cross-national business collaborations to co-create solutions for local enterprises or NGOs;
• SDG-driven social enterprise pitches developed with real businesses in each country.

By embedding VE/COIL in authentic, uncertain, and complex professional contexts, this pedagogy repositions global learning as a platform for applied, reflective, and transferable skill development. The session offers valuable guidance for educators and business partners seeking to align international learning with the evolving expectations of the global workforce.