The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) International Education and Partnerships (IEP) in collaboration with the JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Finland, recently hosted a two-day Innovation and Designed Thinking Workshop.
The first day of the workshop was hosted at the ML Sultan Campus and the second day was at the Hotel School, Ritson Campus. The attendees of the workshop were DUT staff from various departments.
This workshop aimed to redefine teaching and learning methodologies to improve its practices. Exchange ideas in creating Innovative entrepreneurship skills into the curriculum programs for adaptive graduates.
Among the core subjects of this workshop were, the introduction of InnoFlash concept, defining the assignment, planning the customer interviews, conducting the customer interviews, analysis of the interview results, conceptualizing the solutions, and pitching the solutions.
The workshop was directed by the esteemed guests from Finland Ms. Mari Hakkarainen who is a creative developer of entrepreneurship with Master of Arts (history), teacher, principal, further qualification for entrepreneurs, team mastery, and specialist in competence-based qualifications and d Ms. Johanna Lehosmaa who is an innovative developer and teacher, specializing in digital services in the social and healthcare sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Health Sciences and Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy.
Ms Hakkarainen shared that this workshop is vital for students and their future skills when transitioning to the working environment. “We need such initiatives to come up with innovative ideas to evolve in this ever-changing world and to keep up with the latest technology developments,’’ added Ms Hakkarainne.
On the second session of the workshop, Ms Lesmana lauded the DUT staff for their dedication and for attending the whole workshop proceedings to exchange ideas with them. “They were very engaging posing fascinating questions. Their concepts and depth knowledge on what needs to be done to successfully apply these ideas is marvellous and we have learned so much from them,’’ She added.
During this workshop, DUT staff were tasked into groups to find challenges in the curriculums programs and develop practical concepts and solutions to inspire innovation and entrepreneurial skills in students. Afterward, they then competed against each other for the best concepts between groups and presented their proposal.
Mrs Dorinda Borg from the Department of Somatology who was also one of the attendees believed that this collaboration is an exciting opportunity to develop innovative ideas that can improve teaching and learning practices. “It is a great collaboration, and it aligns with DUT ENVISION2030. We are looking forward to it and hopefully, we can adopt some of their teaching and learning methodologies to improve ours, ‘’ said Mrs Borg.
Pictured: JAMK University of Applied Sciences representatives and The Durban University of Technology’s staff at the International Education and Partnerships (IEP) two-day Innovation and Designed Thinking Workshop.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Vukani Langa
