Doha: Aligning learning space design for academic institutions with new technology advances was the focus of a lecture at Qatar University (QU) by Dr Jonas Nordquist of Karolinska Instituet as part of College of Medicine’s efforts towards building a portfolio of academic and research collaboration with experts from Qatar, the region and beyond.
The lecture ‘New university buildings: Reflecting old ideas of learning: Global insights’ was chaired by Associate Dean, Academic Affairs of the college, Dr Anne Pitkaranta, and was one forums organised by the college on topics relating to medical education to capture insights from local, regional and international perspectives.
Dr Nordquist spoke about “a networked learning landscape” that includes new curriculum approaches such as new technology, blended and “flipped” classrooms, active and interactive learning, peer-to-peer learning, and learner-centred and problem-oriented strategies.
He stressed the need for re-consideration of learning environments away from monologue-centric — faculty in front of a classroom delivering information — to one that fosters dialogue, reaction and interaction, student to student and students to faculty.
Space design is important in curriculum preparation, he said, adding the physical learning environment (“hardware”) must be compatible with technology (“software”) students the world over use in their learning in and outside the classroom.
The classroom is no longer as it used to be years ago, he said, noting that today’s students have the advantage of connectivity and learning can be done in cafés, student lounges, and in spaces outside the classroom.
On medical education and hospital design, Dr Nordquist pointed to on-the-ward/off-the-ward learning spaces where practical education on the ward is followed up in an adjunct student-teacher precinct within hospital environment for follow-up discussion and interaction between students and faculty. In this way, students no longer have to leave the practical setting to go to a classroom off-site, he said.
Dr Nordquist also highlighted the classroom environment as the core of a networked landscape and its connection to the city via physical buildings and the campus.
Dr Pitkaranta said: “With the college preparing to admit students and inaugurate its building in September, the lecture provided a timely dialogue on physical facilities to provide learning spaces that are effective and aligned with technology advances and new teaching methodologies.
“In its commitment to contribute to advancing quality healthcare in Qatar, the college is seeking to create a learning landscape that hinges on active learning and a seamless combination of physical and virtual settings that will advance students’ skills and competencies as medical professionals and lifelong learners.”
The Peninsula
