Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and Ochanomizu University (JP)
Overview
This project marks a significant interdisciplinary collaboration between the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and Ochanomizu University (OU), building on a long-standing partnership previously focused on gender studies and diversity. The VE/COIL initiative transitioned this partnership to a virtual format due to pandemic constraints, with the goal of sustaining academic cooperation through innovative, online platforms. The course-level collaboration integrates multiple disciplines, combining insights from gender studies, science, and technology, making it a dynamic example of how interdisciplinary work can thrive in a virtual environment. More recently, the COIL course has provided an opportunity for the partnership to expand to include new collaborators – Nara Women’s University will join the COIL starting in Fall 2024.
The project was supported by grants such as INTPART and the Panorama Initiative, allowing NTNU and OU to maintain the rigor and scope of their internationalization efforts. This shift to virtual collaboration emphasizes the adaptability of both institutions, showcasing their commitment to fostering academic and cultural exchanges while expanding students' global perspectives across different fields of study. By leveraging virtual formats, the partnership continues to provide valuable opportunities for intercultural learning, transcend traditional boundaries of physical exchange, and open up for more sustainable and inclusive forms of student mobility.
COIL Instructors
Jennifer Branlat, associate professor, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture, Faculty of Humanities
Jennifer Elise Branlat is an associate professor of gender, equality, and diversity studies at NTNU. She leads the HK-Dir funded project Teaching Gender Equality and Diversity in Norway and Japan. She also serves as the course coordinator for HFO1004: Special Topics in the Environmental Humanities. Branlat's research focuses on feminist pedagogy, and care and inclusion in higher education. She holds a Ph.D. in French Cultural Studies from Ohio State University (2012) and previously worked on pedagogically innovative humanities curricula at Antioch College from 2012–2015.
Leika Aruga, PhD candidate, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture
Leika Aruga is a PhD candidate at the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture at NTNU. Her research focuses on the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in sustainable urban transformations, specifically studying the use of digital platforms like Decidim within the broader ecology of citizen participation. Situated at the intersection of gender studies and science and technology studies (STS), her work involves case studies in Norway and Japan, analyzed through an intersectional lens. Aruga’s project is part of the Sustainable Digital Transformations initiative under NTNU’s Interdisciplinary Sustainable Initiatives. She has an educational background in human geography and international human rights law, with a particular focus on feminist theories.
Dixie Matre, adviser, Section for Teaching and Learning Support
Dixie Matre is an adviser at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in the Section for Teaching, Learning, and Digital Services. She works to promote good pedagogical use of digital technologies and universal design for learning.. Matre completed her master's degree at Nord University in 2019 in Adapted Education, with a thesis titled "Relationships are the Alpha and Omega: An Exploration of the Descriptions of Nurturing and Healthy Learning Environments Given by Teachers at Adult Education Centres’ Youth Departments."
Makoto Kobayashi, professor, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences and director, Institute for Global Leadership
Makoto Kobayashi is a professor at the Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences at Ochanomizu University, where he also serves as the Chair of the Graduate School of Gender and Social Sciences. His academic focus is on Political Science, Peace Studies, and International Relations, with a specific interest in how globalization affects state formation, political power, and the dynamics of violence in a post-modern context. Kobayashi has explored the transformation of international relations and the rise of global civil society in his research. He holds a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Tokyo (1987) and has taught various interdisciplinary courses in gender studies and political science at Ochanomizu University.
Takayuki Itoh, professor, Faculty of Core Research, Natural Sciences Division
Takayuki Itoh is a professor in the Faculty of Core Research, Natural Sciences Division at Ochanomizu University, where he also holds appointments in the Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences. Dr. Itoh specializes in data visualization, multimedia, and computer graphics, with a focus on user interface design. He leads projects in data science, AI, and gendered innovations, contributing to the university’s interdisciplinary initiatives. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Waseda University (1997) and has been a professor at Ochanomizu since 2012.
Akiko Haiwara, instructor, Center for International Education
Akiko Hagiwara is a Japanese instructor at Ochanomizu University. She also serves as an exchange student coordinator. Her area of research interest is second language acquisition, with a focus on the effect of visual and auditory input on language learning. She has taught a wide variety of students from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds both in the U.S. and Japan.
Curricular Framework
The NTNU and OU collaboration centered around integrating virtual exchange into NTNU’s existing gender studies course, "Norway as a Gender Equality Country: History, Culture, and Knowledge," which enrolled twelve master’s students. At OU, the COIL program was extracurricular, involving ten graduate students, half of whom were international exchange students. The interdisciplinary nature of this COIL aimed to provide students with comparative insights into gender equality issues across Norway and Japan. The courses allowed students to explore diverse perspectives on how gender equality is structured and experienced in different cultural contexts.
The collaboration used a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities, supported by tools like Zoom and TaskCards. The partnership was a cornerstone of broader efforts to internationalize gender studies programs at both institutions, providing students with practical experience in cross-cultural research collaboration, interdisciplinary teamwork, and improving presentation skills in English.
However, challenges arose due to the elective nature of the program at OU, which impacted participation rates and overall engagement. NTNU students, on the other hand, were required to participate, as this COIL activity was part of their degree program. In the Fall 2024 offering, the course will be credit-bearing at Nara Women’s University and continue to figure as a required activity at NTNU.
Goals & Outcomes
The goals of this VE/COIL project were focused on enhancing students’ ability to:
- Understand how gender equality is structured across cultures, with a particular focus on Norway and Japan.
- Work cross-culturally to produce research on gender equality topics.
- Develop curiosity and engagement with gender studies through interdisciplinary and international collaboration.
- Improve presentation skills, particularly in cross-cultural academic settings.
The overarching objective of the project was to strengthen the partnership between NTNU and OU and support the professional development of students by providing them with global perspectives on gender issues. The COIL initiative also aimed to generate interest in study abroad programs and increase global learning opportunities for students at both institutions.
Activities
The VE/COIL project between NTNU and Ochanomizu University spanned six weeks and was designed to immerse students in both synchronous and asynchronous collaborative activities, aimed at fostering cross-cultural understanding and interdisciplinary learning. The collaboration brought together students from diverse academic backgrounds, including gender studies, science, and technology, to engage in meaningful dialogues around global challenges.
Asynchronous Activities
Students participated in discussion boards and shared reflections on specific course topics via platforms TaskCards. These activities were centered around the themes of gender diversity, inclusion, and the role of technology in advancing societal progress. The asynchronous component allowed students the flexibility to contribute to conversations at their own pace, providing time to reflect on how their cultural contexts shaped their perspectives.
Synchronous Sessions
Weekly live sessions were conducted using Zoom, where students from both institutions met to engage in group discussions and collaborative problem-solving activities. These real-time interactions allowed participants to explore differences in cultural approaches to gender studies and technology. Small group breakout rooms facilitated more intimate discussions on specific case studies and research topics, enabling students to work closely across borders and disciplines. Professors also integrated guest lectures from both NTNU and Ochanomizu University, offering expert insights into gender and technology from their respective cultural lenses.
Group Projects
A major component of the project involved a final group project in which mixed teams of NTNU and OU students worked together to analyze a case study related to gender diversity, working life and the home. The teams developed presentations that synthesized their findings and proposed actionable strategies to promote gender equality across different cultural contexts. These presentations were shared in the final synchronous session, followed by peer feedback and reflections from faculty.
Intercultural Exchange:
The virtual nature of the collaboration also included a cultural exchange component, where students from NTNU and OU shared insights into their respective academic systems, societal structures, and gender-related issues prevalent in their countries. This exchange was enhanced through multimedia presentations and interactive Q&A sessions, helping students broaden their global outlooks.
This carefully structured blend of synchronous and asynchronous activities ensured that students could develop not only academically, but also interculturally, enhancing their ability to navigate diverse perspectives in interdisciplinary fields.
Results and Impact
The VE/COIL collaboration between NTNU and Ochanomizu University demonstrated several important outcomes for both students and faculty, contributing to enhanced intercultural competence, academic knowledge, and institutional partnerships. The integration of gender studies and with disciplinary profiles of each student provided a unique interdisciplinary framework, allowing students to connect social issues with gender-related concrete obstacles in working and home life across cultures.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Increased Intercultural Competence: Through the combination of asynchronous discussions and synchronous group work, students reported a marked increase in their ability to understand and appreciate cultural differences in addressing gender diversity, particularly in the context of STEM. Pre- and post-surveys indicated that many students felt more confident navigating cross-cultural collaborations, with 85% of participants noting an improvement in their ability to communicate and collaborate across cultures. One student remarked,
The project helped me see how cultural context shapes approaches to gender diversity in technology, and I now understand how international collaboration can drive change.
- Interdisciplinary Knowledge: The interdisciplinary nature of the project led to a deeper understanding of the intersections between gender, culture, and public and private spheres. Both NTNU and Ochanomizu University students reported that the VE/COIL initiative expanded their academic horizons by allowing them to engage in collective, transnational thinking about social issues, such as gender inequality, often informed by their own unique disciplinary backgrounds. The collaborative research projects and group presentations helped students apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Practical Application of Global Issues: Through group projects and case study analyses, students were able to directly apply classroom concepts to global challenges. For instance, students worked on developing strategies to promote gender equality in STEM fields by comparing and contrasting Norwegian and Japanese cultural approaches. This practical engagement not only enriched their academic learning but also provided insights into how these global issues manifest differently in various cultural settings.
Improved Technical and Digital Collaboration Skills: Due to the virtual nature of the project, students developed stronger digital literacy and collaboration skills. They adapted to various online tools like Digit, TaskCards, and Zoom, learning to overcome challenges such as time zone differences and technical difficulties. One of the notable impacts of this experience was the development of more refined strategies for online teamwork, including clearer communication and greater adaptability in a virtual setting.
Faculty Reflections
Faculty from both NTNU and Ochanomizu University reported that the VE/COIL collaboration fostered new pedagogical approaches. Professors noted that the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural dimensions added richness to their course content, allowing them to introduce innovative teaching methods. Professors also noted that the virtual format allowed for sustained academic outputs despite pandemic constraints, demonstrating the flexibility and resilience of international partnerships.
Institutional Impact
The collaboration strengthened institutional ties between NTNU and Ochanomizu University, building on an existing relationship focused on gender studies. The successful implementation of this VE/COIL initiative has led both institutions to consider further integration of COIL in their curricula, with plans to expand future collaborations beyond gender studies into other interdisciplinary fields such as sustainability and artificial intelligence. The project also benefited from grants like INTPART and the Norwegian Panorama Initiative, ensuring long-term sustainability of these collaborations.
Ochanomizu University presenting at the AAC&U Institute on VE/COIL Workshop in Bergen, Norway, June 2023.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
While the VE/COIL initiative yielded positive outcomes, there were challenges that impacted the full realization of the project’s potential. Technical difficulties—especially sound and video issues during synchronous sessions—were cited by students as barriers to engagement, particularly in the early stages of the project. Some students from Ochanomizu University also reported struggles with time management due to the intense workload from simultaneous academic responsibilities. Moving forward, both institutions plan to improve technical support and optimize the scheduling of synchronous sessions to maximize participation.
Long-term Impact on Students
Beyond academic gains, many students expressed a newfound interest in pursuing further international experiences. Several students from NTNU mentioned considering study abroad opportunities in Japan, while Ochanomizu University students expressed similar interest in visiting Norway. This growing curiosity for global academic exchange demonstrates the long-term impact of the VE/COIL initiative in inspiring students to engage in international education and cultural exchange.
In summary, this VE/COIL collaboration between NTNU and Ochanomizu University achieved significant academic, intercultural, and institutional outcomes, laying the groundwork for continued cross-cultural and interdisciplinary partnerships in the future.
Testimonials and Experiences
The COIL project between NTNU and Ochanomizu University brought together faculty and students from different disciplines, generating valuable insights and learning experiences. NTNU faculty appreciated the administrative efficiency of the collaboration, though they found that the interdisciplinary nature of the partnership presented some challenges, as the faculty from Ochanomizu specialized in fields that differed from their own areas of expertise. Despite these challenges, the partnership was seen as beneficial for the professional development of all team members. For instance, Jennifer Branlat planned to leverage her involvement in COIL to apply for recognition as an excellent teaching practitioner, while PhD student Leika Aruga intends to highlight her COIL experience when applying for a permanent academic position. Additionally, team members gained new skills, such as utilizing the Digit platform at NTNU for instructional design.
For Ochanomizu University faculty, the COIL experience provided a rare opportunity to collaborate with colleagues outside their discipline. One faculty member mentioned how the collaboration enhanced their understanding of the university’s policy and educational goals, and how it fostered more efficient communication with other COIL-related faculty members. Although gender studies was not their area of specialization, learning about gender-related issues was intellectually stimulating and contributed positively to their professional development.
The students involved in the project experienced significant growth. NTNU’s Jennifer Branlat reflected on how students were highly engaged with the course material, producing detailed and well-thought-out presentations. The qualitative interviews conducted after the COIL project revealed that students appreciated the opportunity to engage in collective thinking about gender equality and diversity on an international scale. They valued the ability to access broader perspectives, which would not have been possible within their usual peer groups in Japan and Norway. Students also expressed pride in their achievements, noting that while the collaboration felt overwhelming at times, they were ultimately proud of their ability to complete the challenging project.
This experience has laid the foundation for continued collaboration, with plans to refine and expand the COIL program to further enhance student readiness and engagement.
Future Directions
The partnership between NTNU and Ochanomizu University is set to continue with exciting developments in Fall 2024. Building on the successes of the previous year, Professors Branlat (NTNU), Kobayashi (Ochanomizu), and Hagiwara (Ochanomizu) have expressed a strong commitment to refining and expanding their COIL collaboration by including Nara Women’s University.
At Nara Women’s University, the COIL course will be led by Professor Tomoe Kumojima. The enhanced COIL program, launching in Fall 2024, will unite two of Japan’s leading women’s universities with NTNU in an engaging module titled "COIL Challenge: Design Greater Gender Equality in Japan and Norway." The initiative will focus on enhancing student engagement and fostering active communication between participants from all institutions.
One of the key enhancements for 2024 will be introducing COIL-related activities earlier in the semester to attract more students, particularly those with an interest in gender studies. The course will also adopt a more active pedagogy centered on design thinking. Professors Branlat, Kobayashi, Hagiwara, and Kumojima are exploring ways to increase real-time interaction, aiming to create a more dynamic and participatory learning environment. These adjustments are designed to help students delve deeper into interdisciplinary discussions and build stronger cross-cultural connections.
Branlat, deeply committed to fostering international academic exchanges, views this as an opportunity to bridge global perspectives on gender and diversity. Kobayashi, with his extensive expertise in political science and international relations, is equally passionate about using cross-cultural encounters to cultivate a global understanding among his students. Both faculty members are enthusiastic about the collaboration’s potential to inspire and engage learners.
The COIL project has already demonstrated its value as a transformative learning experience for students and faculty alike. The 2023 course established a strong foundation, and with these thoughtful refinements, Branlat and Kobayashi are eager to elevate the partnership to new heights. Their shared vision is to make the academic exchange richer, more immersive, and sustainable, ensuring the collaboration continues to thrive and evolve in the years ahead.