Integrating Collaborative Online International Learning in Applied Biomechanics Education

The Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú in Lima and the Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano of Medellín, Colombia, offer a Biomedical Engineering program. Since 2018, both institutions have collaborated on various projects, with a recent highlight being the development of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) course for the subject of Biomechanics. In a context where global trends in education emphasize the importance of internationalization, interdisciplinary teaching, and active learning, the COIL methodology emerges as an innovative tool to addresses these needs. By integrating students and faculty from different cultures, COIL facilitates a synergy of knowledge that maximizes interdisciplinary learning and promotes the practical application of theoretical concepts to solve real-world problems, enriching the participants' professional and academic development. The COIL course in Biomechanics covers key areas such as anthropometry, clinical biomechanics, occupational biomechanics, and sports biomechanics. It utilizes laboratories and academic projects that allow students to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios. The course assessment focuses not only on theoretical knowledge but also on students' ability to solve problems, work in teams, and apply their skills in real-world contexts, with continuous feedback supporting their professional growth. The course results show high satisfaction among students, with over 80% expressing favorability toward the enriching experience of international exchange. From an academic perspective, it has been observed that the course tends to generate a higher level of rigor for students. Although technical and communication challenges arose, suggestions for improvement include increasing practical activities, enhancing technology, and further encouraging students' participation.