Reaching Higher
Asynchronous Session
Online Learning Communities: Bridging the Gap among Historically Underserved Populations in Health Science View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Lanisha Howze
Evidence suggests that there is a gap for underserved populations in health sciences. Through online education, access to learning opportunities is growing in health informatics, biotechnology, health administration, and health education. However, online education can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from the educational community. Morehouse School of Medicine is working to mitigate these issues through the online learning community (OLC). The OLC was established through the core foundation of the five Cs to create community support for underrepresented populations. We evaluate the core foundation using the five Cs methodology and designed an approach to address blind spots to enhance every student participating in the community. Determining the student type and general needs, as well as the resources available to be maximized for underserved populations, corresponded with the current student survey data collected. We found that the online learning community at Morehouse School of Medicine served as a tool for facilitating discourse and community-building among the online students. Through this tool, students were afforded the opportunity to enhance their education and increase engagement via collaboration and connection with their cohort.
Enhancing Industrial Design Education Through Blended Learning Models: Bridging Theory and Practice View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Hatice Merve Demirci
The contemporary landscape of industrial design education is undergoing a significant transformation, propelled by integrating digital technologies and the evolving demands of the global market. This research explores the potential of blended learning models to enhance the quality and accessibility of industrial design education, bridging the discipline's fundamental theoretical and practical components. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative assessments of student learning outcomes with qualitative insights from educators and students, this study investigates the impact of incorporating digital tools, such as Miro, a collaborative online whiteboarding platform and 3D printing, into traditional studio-based learning environments. The research highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by blended learning strategies, including student engagement, pedagogical effectiveness, and the integration of innovative technologies in curriculum development. By examining the implementation of blended learning in industrial design education, the study develops a comprehensive model that facilitates a more immersive, interactive, and practical learning experience. This research contributes to the broader discourse on educational innovation in design disciplines, offering valuable insights for educators and practitioners interested in leveraging technology to prepare students for the complexities of the modern design industry.
