Heal4ALL Kick-Off Meeting and Staff Training: Shaping the Future of Innovative Healthcare Education
The Heal-4-ALL: Higher Education Alliance for Innovative Healthcare and Education project officially launched with a Kick-Off Meeting and First Short Staff Training held in Split, Croatia, from November 19–22, 2024. Hosted by the University of Split, the event gathered international partners, educators, and experts to discuss the project’s vision, management framework, and innovative approaches to curriculum design.
Kick-Off Meeting: Setting the Stage for Success
The event commenced on November 19 at the Sky Restaurant and Bar, offering a panoramic view of Split’s maritime skyline. The session opened with an introduction by Irena Drmić Hofman and Ivana Carev from UNIST, followed by an insightful presentation on Project Management, Financial and Quality Assurance Plans by Goran Pažin (IPEMED).
Key highlights included:
• Dissemination and Communication Strategy presented by Kristina Udiljak (IPEMED).
• Project Work Packages and Gantt Chart Overview by Branka Bernard (fabula movens d.o.o.).
• Partner Presentations, where representatives from IPEMED, fabula movens d.o.o., UEF, KUL, and UNO outlined their roles, objectives, and expected outcomes.
The session concluded with an informal networking dinner, setting the tone for collaboration throughout the project.
Staff Training: Innovating Curriculum through Design Thinking
From November 20-22, participants engaged in an intensive staff training program focused on Design Thinking, Open Pedagogy, and Service Learning. Led by Branka Bernard (fabula movens d.o.o.), the training aimed to integrate innovative methodologies into higher education curricula.
Day 1: Foundations of Design Thinking in Curriculum Design
The training kicked off with an introduction to Engineering Without Borders (EWB) in Action, followed by interactive exercises on curriculum structure and learning outcomes. Participants explored:
• Student personas and pain points in existing study programs.
• Defining goals and activities for Heal4ALL.
• Slogan development for the training program.
The day concluded with a guided walking tour of Split, offering a cultural experience alongside professional discussions.
Day 2: Curriculum Mapping and Learning Outcome Development
On November 21, participants delved into pedagogical approaches, learning outcomes, and assessment methods. Hands-on group activities facilitated the creation of a structured curriculum map, ensuring alignment between educational goals and real-world healthcare challenges.
Day 3: Open Pedagogy and Service Learning
The final day introduced participants to Open Pedagogy, emphasizing collaborative and flexible learning strategies. Ivana Carev (UNIST) led an insightful session on Service Learning, highlighting its potential for integrating community engagement into education.
A Collaborative Step Forward
The Heal4ALL Kick-Off Meeting and Training Program marked a pivotal step toward revolutionizing healthcare education. By embracing Design Thinking, Open Pedagogy, and Service Learning, the project aims to create a sustainable, student-centered learning environment that fosters innovation and collaboration across borders.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to shape the future of healthcare education!
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