IBL News | New York
Professors Ben Kennedy and Dr. Jonathan Davidson, from New Zealand’s University of Canterbury, won the edX’s sixth annual Prize for Exceptional Contributions in Online Teaching and Learning for the course “Exploring Volcanoes and Their Hazards: Iceland and New Zealand”. EdX, the online learning platform from 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU), made the announcement this month.
This science course includes virtual field trips, engaging assessments, and immersive learning environments. It is the result of 10 years of research and field trips.
The two instructors designed the course “to deliver an immersive and fun virtual science experience focused on volcanic landscapes,” explained edX. “By integrating a special emphasis on Māori knowledge, the course also enables learners to empathize with and understand different perspectives.”
“Learning online helps students from all backgrounds to experience the magic of volcanoes in a safe way and from exciting new angles,” said Dr. Jonathan Davidson. Professor Ben Kennedy also shared, “It has been brilliant for us to interweave indigenous knowledge with interactive volcanic landscapes to create an online learning experience that benefits everyone. It was fun to see how students from all around the world have embraced this approach to develop new skills in science communication.”
The edX prize intended to award innovations in pedagogy included twelve more finalists:
- Prof. Yoram Harpaz and Dr. Abeer Watted: The Hook the Bait and the Fish: Approaches to Teaching Thinking, CampusIL
- Dr. Susan Wilcox, Thomas Piraino, Rafael Benedetti, Maria Kobrina, Casey Roehrig: Mechanical Ventilation for COVID-19, Harvard University
- Ronald Heifetz, Walter Blazewicz, Andrew Rawson, Jascha Smilack: Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles, Harvard University
- Dr. Ming-Yen NG: Advanced Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac Computed Tomography, Hong Kong University
- Stijn Spaepen, Kevin Verstrepen, Stijn Mertens, Kevin Voordeckers: Beer: the science of brewing, KU Leuven
- John Gruber: AP Microeconomics (14.01x), Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Andrew Lo, Harvey Lodish, Zied Ben Chaouch, Kate Koch, Shomesh Chaudhuri: The Science and Business of Biotechnology (15.480x), Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Dr. Clayton Miller: Data Science for Construction, Architecture, and Engineering, National University of Singapore
- Dr. Emilie Joos and Dr. Brian Westerberg: Safe Surgical Care: Strategies During a Pandemic, University of British Columbia
- KK Tang: Macroeconomics Professional Certificate, University of Queensland
- Gillian Saunders with Calvin Rans, Julie Teuwen, Katharina Ertman, and René Alderliesten: Introduction to Aerospace Structures and Materials, TU Delft
Great to see @UCNZ Professor Ben Kennedy and Dr. Jonathan Davidson receive the recognition they deserve. They’re on the cutting edge of teaching & learning and show the @edXonline community what’s possible in quality online education. https://t.co/OchbpeaGuP
— Chip Paucek (@chippaucek) December 14, 2021
