1
Teaching Biomechanics in Vietnam
THE METHODS AND CHALLENGES OF INCORPORATING WESTERN EDUCATION IN THE
FAR EAST
B. Rhett RigbyMentor: 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!
2
The Location: Hà Nội, Việt Nam
3
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
4
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
5
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 exam6
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
8
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 slides
10
The Impressions:Student Observations Vietnamese students are prepared Understand English
– Hesitant to speak in formal classroom
– Accommodating
Enthusiastic Anxious to participate Love America
11
The Observations:Lessons Learned Language less a barrier Different expectations
– Class schedule– Attending class– Asking questions– HW assignments
Email difficulties HUT computers
12
Questions?
