Page 25 - WesternU View - Fall/Winter 2014
P. 25
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
College of
Dental Medicine
Education, including dental education, is on the verge of
significant changes. The powerful influence of digital
delivery of content and the increasing fidelity of virtual
simulations are making significant inroads, and will soon
disrupt many educational systems as we know them.
Western University of Health Sciences, including the
College of Dental Medicine, is well-positioned to lead the
evolution in health care education. Leadership involves
more than just remaining at the technological forefront;
many institutions will compete with us for that territory.
The WesternU advantage rests with leveraging our
humanistic approach to education and patient care.
Technology won’t replace the value faculty bring to the
educational process, but will amplify their role as
Steven Friedrichsen, DDS teachers. As we have moved the Head and Neck Anatomy
course to an online learning platform, faculty have
moved from standing at the front of the classroom
lecturing. They now lead discussions on clinical
applications and small group exercises designed to
engage students in active learning.
The students’ response is a testament to their acceptance
of this new learning model. “Friday’s flipped classroom
session was wonderful, and I learned more than I thought
in those four hours.” “I just wanted to thank you for all
the hard work you have put into this week to make our
learning fun and productive.” “Great success today! The
feedback after our session was nothing but positive… felt
more motivated and energized to study for tomorrow.”
WesternU is well-positioned to lead the adoption and
adaptation of technology to enhance our humanistic
education of health care providers.
WesternU View Fall/Winter 2014 23
College of
Dental Medicine
Education, including dental education, is on the verge of
significant changes. The powerful influence of digital
delivery of content and the increasing fidelity of virtual
simulations are making significant inroads, and will soon
disrupt many educational systems as we know them.
Western University of Health Sciences, including the
College of Dental Medicine, is well-positioned to lead the
evolution in health care education. Leadership involves
more than just remaining at the technological forefront;
many institutions will compete with us for that territory.
The WesternU advantage rests with leveraging our
humanistic approach to education and patient care.
Technology won’t replace the value faculty bring to the
educational process, but will amplify their role as
Steven Friedrichsen, DDS teachers. As we have moved the Head and Neck Anatomy
course to an online learning platform, faculty have
moved from standing at the front of the classroom
lecturing. They now lead discussions on clinical
applications and small group exercises designed to
engage students in active learning.
The students’ response is a testament to their acceptance
of this new learning model. “Friday’s flipped classroom
session was wonderful, and I learned more than I thought
in those four hours.” “I just wanted to thank you for all
the hard work you have put into this week to make our
learning fun and productive.” “Great success today! The
feedback after our session was nothing but positive… felt
more motivated and energized to study for tomorrow.”
WesternU is well-positioned to lead the adoption and
adaptation of technology to enhance our humanistic
education of health care providers.
WesternU View Fall/Winter 2014 23
