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Teaching Biomechanics in Vietnam

THE METHODS AND CHALLENGES OF INCORPORATING WESTERN EDUCATION IN THE

FAR EAST

B. Rhett Rigby

Mentor: Dr. Benjamin Kelley

Scholar’s Day 2009

Funded by a grant from the

Vietnam Education Foundation

The Country:Việt Nam

One half the size of Texas Three times the population of Texas

1965-1975: Vietnam War 1975-1994: Trade embargo 1995: Clinton reestablishes diplomatic ties 2001: Bush signs Bilateral Trade Agreement 2009: Baylor teaches engineering in Hà Nội!

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The Location: Hà Nội, Việt Nam

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The Partner:Hanoi Univ. of Technology

Hanoi University of Technology– Đại Học Bách Khoa Hà Nội

Established 1956 42,000 students 1,700 faculty 14 faculties 7 institutes 16 research centers

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The Travels: Hà Nội, Việt Nam

On-site, 2 weeks, Feb-March 2009– 4 lectures with Dr. Kelly present– 2 lectures via Elluminate

From Baylor, 11 weeks– 22 lectures

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The Course:Engineering Biomechanics

In English (American style)

February and May at HUT (8:00-10:00 am)

March and April from Baylor (7:00-9:00 pm)

Built around a design project– Design report and presentation– Orthopedic “bone plate”

Mid-term exam and Final exam

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The Media Coverage:Vietnam News, Feb. 09

The Book:Custom for this Course

Compiled from internet sources

– 40 topics

– Title page, Powerpoint slides, readings in each chapter

Organized by session/chapter/class day

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The Content:Course Syllabus

Included in book While in Ha Noi (February)

– Design concepts and technical content– Anatomy and technical content

While at Baylor (March & April)– Technical content and technical content (same)

While in Ha Noi (May)– Muscle and other topics– Design presentations9

The Software:Elluminate Live

Real time online learning & collaboration

Employs a web cam

Fast audio

Low bandwidth

Baylor supports

Can record

Import PowerPoint slides10

The Impressions:Student Observations

Vietnamese students are prepared

Understand English– Hesitant to speak in formal

classroom

– Accommodating

Enthusiastic

Anxious to participate

Love America11

The Observations:Lessons Learned

Language less a barrier

Different expectations– Class schedule– Attending class– Asking questions– HW assignments

Email difficulties

HUT computers

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Questions?