The Technology Paradigm: Assessing Video Collaboration Technology for Intercultural Learning in COIL and Virtual Exchange

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and Virtual Exchange (VE) initiatives provide accessible pathways for intercultural engagement in higher education. While existing literature affirms their pedagogical value, significant technological barriers persist—particularly in multimedia production and journalism. This case study examines a VE between journalism and film courses in the southeastern United States and in Barranquilla, Colombia, focusing on asynchronous collaboration through video storytelling. Following this experience, the study evaluates Adobe Frame.io as a potential platform for overcoming the challenges of collaborative video production in VE contexts. Using a convergent parallel mixed methods approach, data were collected from 21 students across five courses in a U.S. journalism program piloting Frame.io. Results indicate high levels of self-efficacy (M = 4.43) and usability (M = 4.57) on a 5-point Likert scale. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses highlighted the platform’s strengths in facilitating precise feedback, supporting peer learning, and streamlining workflow. Students cited timestamped annotations, intuitive interface, and feedback clarity as key advantages. Challenges included limited instructor use and occasional mobile access issues. The findings suggest that Frame.io holds promise as a user-friendly, professional-grade tool for enhancing student engagement and reducing digital friction in video-based COIL and VE projects. This study contributes to research addressing the intersection of pedagogy and technology in collaborative, international learning, and it supports the advancement of theoretical and practical models for multimedia virtual exchange design.