The Impact of Collaborative Online International Learning on Intercultural Sensitivity Among Nursing Students in the United States and Japan

Abstract

Collaborative online international learning (COIL) is a curricular approach that allows students to collaborate across cultures using various communication technologies. Little is known about the influence of COIL on intercultural sensitivity, a key competency for nursing students to better serve increasingly diverse patient populations. We implemented COIL in undergraduate nursing courses in the United States and Japan and examined its impact on intercultural sensitivity using the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) as a pretest and posttest. The results of a paired t -test indicated ISS total scores significantly increased after COIL, supporting its use in nursing education courses.