The future is uncertain, but by learning how to explore and communicate different possibilities, we can better prepare for what lies ahead. This Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) module invites students from diverse backgrounds to engage with the tools and methods that help shape our understanding of the future.
Why a COIL about Futures Thinking and Visualization?
In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, the ability to imagine and communicate possible futures has become an essential skill for professionals across disciplines. Scenario thinking helps individuals and organisations anticipate change, navigate uncertainty, and make informed strategic decisions. Visualization techniques, enhanced through tools such as generative AI and augmented reality, allow these ideas and scenarios to be communicated in powerful, engaging, and accessible ways. As industries face technological advancements, sustainability challenges, and shifting societal values, the need for creative, future-oriented thinking continues to grow. This COIL brings together students from different backgrounds and cultures to collaboratively explore and express possible futures through innovative visualization methods.
Objectives of this COIL
This project aims to empower learners to master futures thinking and visualization techniques as tools for developing and communicating inspirational futures. Participants will learn a structured approach to scenario planning, as applied in research projects of NHL Stenden’s European Tourism Futures Institute (ETFI).
Through collaborative exercises, students will explore how to transform complex ideas into clear, compelling, and visually engaging narratives using technologies such as generative AI, AR, and other new media formats. They will be encouraged to reflect on different cultural and disciplinary perspectives on the future, and to co-create visual outputs that inspire action and understanding.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be integrated as a guiding framework to contextualise and measure the relevance of the envisioned futures. By integrating the SDGs, participants will learn to connect their creative scenarios aligning their creative visions with international goals for a better future.
By combining future-oriented thinking with cutting-edge visualization tools, this COIL offers a unique opportunity to imagine, design, and communicate inspiring futures. Participants will leave the programme with valuable creative and analytical skills, ready to contribute to innovation and positive transformation in their respective fields.
2nd of March 2026 to 4th of May 2026
English
To be defined by each higher education institution involved in this COIL.
Only open to students enrolled in the designated courses in Howest, NHL Stenden.
Application for this product is closed.
Programme at a glance
⌛ 1 ½ hours
⌛ 3 hours
⌛ 2 hours
⌛ 2 hours
⌛ 2 hours
⌛ 4 hours
⌛ 10 hours
⌛ 1 hour
⌛ 2 ½ hours
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Collaborative Online International Learning, learners will be able to:
Understanding the concept of scenario thinking and visualization techniques, and applying these methods to explore possible futures across a variety of industries and contexts.
Students will learn how to generate, structure, and communicate future scenarios using visualization tools. They will practice turning complex ideas into visually engaging narratives that can inform decision-making and inspire innovation.
Analysing international trends, current events, and global challenges in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and applying the scenario planning method to develop inspiring future scenarios.
Students will examine international trends and global challenges, situating them in context and linking them to the SDGs. They will apply the scenario planning method to construct plausible and compelling future scenarios.
Fostering intercultural understanding by engaging in collaborative online learning, gaining insights into how different cultures envision and communicate future possibilities, and promoting mutual respect and effective teamwork.
Students will work in intercultural teams to share perspectives, discuss scenarios, and co-create visual outputs. They will develop intercultural communication and collaboration skills, learning to respect and integrate diverse viewpoints while working towards a common goal.
Selection criteria
Only open to students enrolled in the designated courses in Howest, NHL Stenden.
Involved organisations and persons
Howest University of Applied Sciences
Partner Organisation- Caroline Baert (Instructor)
- Ingmar Proot (Instructor)
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
Lead Organisation- Carolin Giarra (Lead Instructor)
The European Tourism Futures Institute
Partner Organisation