[COLUMNIST] Partnership of learning: Revolutionizing teacher education through immersive learning experience at UUM

IN TODAY'S rapidly evolving educational landscape, the preparation of future educators demands more than traditional classroom instruction.

To develop teachers who are adaptable, innovative, and ready to navigate the complexities of modern education, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application is essential.

At the School of Education, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), this is being achieved through the partnership of learning, in which lecturers, students, and industry partners collaborate to create immersive learning experiences.

Immersive Learning Experience: The BLENDilex Approach

A prime example of this innovative approach is the "Development of Audio Video for Education" course at UUM, which employs the Blended Immersive Learning Experience (BLENDilex) model.

BLENDilex integrates online learning with face-to-face hands-on workshops, providing students with a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.

This model goes beyond conventional instruction, allowing students to fully engage with both the theoretical and practical aspects of audio and video production.

In this course, students first explore the theoretical underpinnings of instructional design and multimedia learning principles.

They then transition into the practical realm, applying their knowledge to create educational audio and video content.

The immersion is deepened through face-to-face workshops where students engage directly with the creative processes involved in video production.

Partnership of Learning: Collaboration with Industry Experts

What sets this program apart is the Partnership of Learning that involves the University Teaching and Learning Centre (UTLC) and the Creative Content Creation team.

These industry experts, embedded within the university, bring professional video production skills into the classroom, transforming the learning environment into a space where theory meets practice.

Students gain first-hand experience in every facet of video creation; from storyboarding to shooting, and to editing; under the guidance of professionals who bridge the gap between academic concepts and industry standards.

During on-site workshops, students are guided by these experts to various locations around the UUM campus, learning the intricacies of camera techniques, lighting setups, and composition; critical skills for producing engaging educational content.

The partnership extends into the editing room, where students receive one-on-one mentorship in post-production, honing their abilities in editing, audio enhancement, and multimedia integration.

Impact on Future Educators

This partnership of learning through the BLENDilex approach has profoundly impacted students, equipping them with the technical skills necessary to create high-quality educational content.

More importantly, it prepares them to be educators who can seamlessly integrate digital tools into their teaching practices, making them future-ready for the challenges of modern classrooms.

Through this approach, students are not merely passive learners in this process; they become active creators, collaborating with industry professionals to produce content that is both educational and engaging.

This experience not only enhances their confidence but also fosters a sense of ownership over their learning journey.

A Model for the Future of Education

The success of the BLENDilex model at UUM highlights best practices in combining immersive learning with strong partnerships between academia and industry.

This model can be adapted across various courses and disciplines, providing a template for other educational institutions aiming to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

By adopting similar approaches, institutions can empower their students to become more creative, collaborative, and competent educators, fully equipped to meet the demands of contemporary education.

The partnership of learning at UUM underscores the transformative power of combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

This approach is hoped to create a new paradigm in teacher education that is both innovative and impactful.

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Assoc Prof Dr Siti Nazuar Sailin is Associate Professor of Educational Technology. She is the Director of Institute of Excellent Teachers and Leaders in Education (IETLE), School of Education, Universiti Utara Malaysia.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.