Innovative Course Research Articles

AI, Visualization and Leadership: A Nexus for Deeper Impact

Visualizing Meaning and Purpose, an innovative experiential course, blends Appreciative Inquiry, visual thinking and leadership. Our unique design, created by a visual practitioner and leadership faculty member, empowered students to apply their learning directly to real-life leadership challenges. We invite you to get a glimpse of the course and its impact, and ask yourself: How might visualization amplify and deepen my impact as an AI practitioner and leader?

Fostering an age-friendly Marketing Education: Integrating IntergenerationalLearning in Marketing Courses

ABSTRACT This manuscript examines the adaptation and integration of intergenerational learning to create an inclusive marketing education environment. The development of innovative course designs to promote intergenerational learning and age-friendly curricula is an opportunity for educational institutions, given a demographic shift in many parts of the world. An innovative course design is featured that addresses a gap in marketing education literature regarding intergenerational classrooms, aligning with AACSB’s societal impact objectives and the UN Sustainable Development Goal #4 – to promote inclusive education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. Guided by the contact hypothesis, we discuss a modular approach to intergenerational classrooms that promises to break down barriers for older adult learners, increase the effectiveness of intergenerational learning, and benefit students of all ages. This manuscript features a three-week intergenerational module integrated into a semester-long (16-week) consumer behavior course consistent with experiential learning theory principles. We use this module to illustrate the potential of integrating intergenerational learning in marketing education and highlight the necessary conditions to adopt similar modules in other marketing classes. This approach fosters environments conducive to inclusivity and societal wellbeing.

An Innovative Course Structure to Teach Excel to Business School Students

Mastering Microsoft Excel is an essential skill for any business school student, whether during their studies, their internships, or their future jobs. This competency is difficult to teach as many students think they master the software when they only use a tiny part of it. In this paper, we will describe an innovative course we’ve created to train a large group of students in our business school. This course combines e-learning paths, online synchronous sessions, and an adapted support. Having taught this course for several years, we will first describe the first sessions of the course. After these sessions, we observed that as some students are aware of the necessity to develop their skills, some others are not involved at all in the process. Following these sessions, we introduced some evolutions we will present. These evolutions improved the course. We will describe these evolutions and present the results on students’ training. Finally, we will present the future developments we plan to implement for next year.

Shifting Mindsets: Changes in Entrepreneurial Intention Among University Students

Despite the growing interest in entrepreneurship education and its impact on entrepreneurial intention, there is limited research on why students’ entrepreneurial intentions change over time. It has been observed that university students’ intentions to pursue entrepreneurship are higher when they enroll in entrepreneurship courses; however, these intentions usually shift both before and after the completion of the entrepreneurship course. This study investigates the shift in entrepreneurial intention among university students. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, this study combines the qualitative research tools of interviews and diaries to explore the evolution of students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The research sample consisted of undergraduate university students of a Greek university who had attended an entrepreneurship and innovation course as part of their first-year curriculum in the academic year 2020–2021. The study utilized 163 structured interviews and complementary diary research on 96 students from the same cohort in the academic year 2023–2024. NVivo12 software (32 bits version) was used to analyze the primary data. The findings highlight notable changes in students’ entrepreneurial intentions as a result of a variety of factors, including the allure of the entrepreneurial idea, cohesiveness of the teams, teaching strategies employed, support provided by the university and their families, and certain personality traits. These findings provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers to better support and sustain entrepreneurial intentions among students, while also further expanding the understanding of the strategy development needs of entrepreneurship counseling and education, as very limited research has been conducted on this issue.

Exploring the Future of Salesforce with Einstein GPT

This paper discusses how far the impact of Einstein GPT can go into changing Salesforce, talking from its architecture, applications, and future possibilities. Einstein GPT helps in the integration of advanced generative pre-trained transformers in Salesforce, enabling it to allow natural language interactions and enhanced insights of data. The essay will research through its architecture, including the Data Layer, AI/ML Layer, and Interaction Layer, bringing into focus key applications such as sales automation, improvement in customer service, optimization in marketing, and predictive analytics. This paper considers the moral dimensions of using AI, too. That is, by considering these dimensions, the essay points out how Einstein GPT is bound to set a new course of CRM capabilities and future innovations within Salesforce. Keywords—Salesforce, GPT, Einstein, AI, Integration

Reform and Exploration of University Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Course Teaching Based on Federal Learning Under the “Internet +” Perspective

This study explores the integration of “Internet+” into university education to enhance students’ learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship (I&E) skills. By updating educational concepts and methods, we aim to establish a comprehensive I&E framework that includes mindset development, knowledge acquisition, skill enhancement, and team support. Practical training and network learning communities are emphasized to provide global platforms for skill improvement and project incubation. Through a case study, we analyze the development and effectiveness of an I&E education platform, highlighting the importance of targeted demand surveys and data analysis. Our findings demonstrate the significance of aligning talent training with industry needs, fostering creativity, and promoting entrepreneurial success through collaborative school-enterprise initiatives.

Research on the Construction of Entrepreneurship Education Curriculum Group in Agriculture and Forestry Colleges––Taking Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University as an Example

Although the curriculum construction of innovation and entrepreneurship in colleges and universities has made great achievements in recent years, the problems in the practice process are also more prominent. This study adheres to the principle of combining theory and practice and adopts the interview method in the specific practice process to interview the staff and researchers involved in the design and research of the construction of innovation and entrepreneurship education course groups, to understand and master the real situation of the construction of entrepreneurship education course group. Thus, a college student entrepreneurship education course group integrating classroom teaching, experiment teaching, practice teaching and entrepreneurial competition resources was constructed.

Partnering with genAI for communication course design: Innovations, challenges, and ethical considerations

This article explores the value of generative AI (genAI) tools for much-needed support for instructors in higher education in the realm of course design. Two authors detail their experiences partnering with two distinct tools, ChatGPT and Bard (now known as Gemini), for communication course development, emphasizing iterative collaboration with genAI. Benefits of genAI for creativity and innovation are balanced with challenges and ethical considerations, along with recommendations for faculty and institutions on leveraging genAI for innovative course design.

Linking Traditional Teaching to Innovative Approaches: Student Conceptions in Kinematics

This study delves into the problem-solving approaches of students who attend classes with traditional teaching methods in university physics education with innovative curriculum materials. This research, conducted with university physics and engineering students, focused on applying research-based curriculum materials in solving kinematic problems. The study analyzes the impact of student knowledge and the distinction between rote learning and scientific practices on conceptual understanding. Student responses are categorized based on the depth of knowledge demonstrated, the skill type utilized, and the degree to which responses indicate a logical progression. These, together with demographic data, are analyzed to determine any patterns. Findings reveal that students use intuitive and mathematical skills to solve a graphical question. However, students employ qualitative and mathematical skill types when they are required to design an experiment. Notably, gender disparity appears to influence the approach to graphical questions, but the design-based question shows no significant relationship between males and females. Gender was likely to contribute to knowledge and logical progression levels, but grades might not show a positive relationship with knowledge level. This study aims to contribute to developing physics education at the university level by highlighting the gap between innovative course materials and their enactment.

From FUSE to a hands-on electrosurgery course using a cadaveric model.

Surgical procedures in contemporary practice frequently employ energy-based devices, yet comprehensive education surrounding their safety and effectiveness remains deficient. We propose an innovative course for residents that aims to provide basic electrosurgery knowledge and promote the safe use of these devices. We developed a simulated training course for first-year general surgery and orthopedic residents. First, a survey was conducted regarding their knowledge perception about energy devices. The course consisted of two online theoretical sessions, followed by three in-person practical sessions. First-year residents performed three video-recorded attempts using a cadaveric model and were assessed through a digital platform using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS), a Specific Rating Scale (SRS), and a surgical energy-based devices scale (SEBS). Third-year residents were recruited as a control group. The study included 20 first-year residents and 5 third-year residents. First-year residents perceived a knowledge gap regarding energy devices. Regarding practical performance, both OSATS and checklist scores were statistically different between novices at their first attempt and the control group. When we analyzed the novice's performance, we found a significant increase in OSATS (13 vs 21), SRS (13 vs 17.5), and SEBS (5 vs 7) pre- and post-training scores. The amount of feedback referred to skin burns with the electro-scalpel reduced from 18 feedbacks in the first attempt to 2 in the third attempt (p-value = 0.0002). When comparing the final session of novices with the control group, no differences were found in the SRS (p = 0.22) or SEBS (p = 0.97), but differences remained in OSATS (p = 0.017). This study supports the implementation of structured education in electrosurgery among surgical trainees. By teaching first-year residents about electrosurgery, they can acquire a skill set equivalent to that of third-year residents. The integration of such courses can mitigate complications associated with energy device misuse, ultimately enhancing patient safety.

ADAPTING KIRKPATRICK’S MODEL FOR EVALUATING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN TOURISM WITHIN HIGHER EDUCATION

In the context of rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics and constant evolution in the tourism sector, the effectiveness of educational programs in tourism has become critically important for preparing professionals capable of adapting to new challenges. This article focuses on the use of the Kirkpatrick Model as a strategic tool for evaluating and improving professional higher education programs in tourism. Based on four levels of evaluation — reaction, learning, behavior, and results — the model is adapted to the specifics of educational programs in the field of tourism, offering a comprehensive analysis methodology. The aim of adapting the Kirkpatrick Model is to diagnose and address the vulnerabilities of educational programs, refine curricula, and introduce innovative courses that meet both current and projected sector needs. This approach is particularly relevant in the light of the rapidly changing requirements of the tourism industry, where it is crucial not only to provide up-to-date knowledge but also to develop students’ skills in critical thinking, adaptation, and innovative problem-solving. Applying to the Kirkpatrick Model to university programs in tourism ensures not only high quality of education but also its relevance and practical orientation. This paves the way for creating a new generation of tourism professionals, prepared to work effectively in the conditions of global competition and changing market demands. Such an approach not only improves educational programs but also enhances the international competitiveness of graduates, which is a key factor for success in the modern tourism industry.

Splitting the second: Designing a physics course with an emphasis on timescales of ultrafast phenomena

Timescales spanning 24 orders of magnitude smaller than one second can be studied experimentally, and each range is packed with different physical phenomena. This rich range of timescales offers a great context for an innovative undergraduate physics course which introduces modern physics and technology from an unconventional perspective. Based on the author's experience in lecturing on these topics to different audiences, this paper proposes a syllabus of a semester-long timescale-based undergraduate physics course.

Exploring Teaching Reform Methods in Innovation, Invention, and Intellectual Property Practice Courses

Exploring Teaching Reform Methods in Innovation, Invention, and Intellectual Property Practice Courses

Strategies and Paths for Promoting the Inheritance and Development of the Dong Chorus Through Art Management

As a treasure of China's national art and culture, the Dong Chorus is now facing a crisis of discontinuity. This article will start from the perspective of art management, expounding on the cultural representation of the Dong Chorus and its promotion of cultural exchange, showcasing the beauty of symbiosis between humans and nature, and upholding the educational value of maintaining the social order and norms of the Dong ethnic group. And through the teaching in-school courses and collaborating with public institutions and inheritance family, the inheritance path of art management is reflected. In addition, it provides a framework for constructing the Dong Chorus course of inheritance and innovation, updating the characteristics of its tunes, and innovating its stage practices to enhance the recognition of Chinese culture among various ethnic groups and foster a sense of community consciousness among the Chinese people, in response to the issue of how to enhance the strategy for promoting the inheritance and innovation of the Dong Chorus and aligning it with the modern cultural market.

A novel affordable user interface for robotic surgery training: design, development and usability study.

The use of robotic systems in the surgical domain has become groundbreaking for patients and surgeons in the last decades. While the annual number of robotic surgical procedures continues to increase rapidly, it is essential to provide the surgeon with innovative training courses along with the standard specialization path. To this end, simulators play a fundamental role. Currently, the high cost of the leading VR simulators limits their accessibility to educational institutions. The challenge lies in balancing high-fidelity simulation with cost-effectiveness; however, few cost-effective options exist for robotic surgery training. This paper proposes the design, development and user-centered usability study of an affordable user interface to control a surgical robot simulator. It consists of a cart equipped with two haptic interfaces, a VR visor and two pedals. The simulations were created using Unity, which offers versatility for expanding the simulator to more complex scenes. An intuitive teleoperation control of the simulated robotic instruments is achieved through a high-level control strategy. Its affordability and resemblance to real surgeon consoles make it ideal for implementing robotic surgery training programs in medical schools, enhancing accessibility to a broader audience. This is demonstrated by the results of an usability study involving expert surgeons who use surgical robots regularly, expert surgeons without robotic surgery experience, and a control group. The results of the study, which was based on a traditional Peg-board exercise and Camera Control task, demonstrate the simulator's high usability and intuitive control across diverse user groups, including those with limited experience. This offers evidence that this affordable system is a promising solution for expanding robotic surgery training.

Innovative massive open online course for young researchers: impact of implementation in Kazakhstani universities

Innovative massive open online course for young researchers: impact of implementation in Kazakhstani universities

Research on the Method of Practical Localization Transformation of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Curriculum

Innovation and entrepreneurship education is an important content of higher education, which is of great significance for cultivating students innovative spirit and practical ability. However, at present, there are problems in innovation and entrepreneurship courses, such as the content divorced from reality and single teaching methods, which need for practical and localized transformation. This paper puts forward the countermeasures of practical and localized transformation of innovation and entrepreneurship curriculum from four aspects of course content, teaching method, practical platform and evaluation mechanism, aiming to improve the quality and effect of innovation and entrepreneurship education.

Expanding Environmental Care Competencies for Future and Current Healthcare Providers.

The multiple impacts of the environment on the health of populations can oftentimes be clouded by the daily care practices of healthcare providers. This case study describes an innovative graduate level elective course that uses a problem-based approach to apply evidence-based principles of environmental health to the care of populations. Initial implementation of the course, over two cohorts in 2023, had primarily second-degree undergraduate nursing students. Lessons learned included the necessity to provide peer-to-peer support for several of the graduate level assignments. Positive student outcomes included an expanded understanding of the three main content areas of the course: (1) how soil, air, and water must be considered in individual and population-centered care; (2) the impact of the design of the built and healthcare built environment; and (3) considerations of planetary health for sustainability and mitigation. Faculty outcomes included coaching of undergraduate students in this graduate course and the development of peer-to-peer mentoring activities.

Extinction of central and local government accounting education: Self-reinforcing institutional processes—a Norwegian warning

IMPACT The increasing disconnect between academia and central and local government accounting (CLGA) practices have significant implications for the quality of public sector accounting (PSA) especially for preparers as well as users of governmental accounting reports. Particularly transparency and understandability of accounting are at stake. The extinction of CLGA education at higher education institutions (HEIs) will deprive public sector organizations of the opportunity to hire graduates who are knowledgeable about the peculiarities of the public sector. This article shows how the negative self-reinforcing processes that increase the decoupling of academia from accounting practice can be reversed by rethinking the way academia collaborates with practitioners. Policy-makers and public sector managers should encourage HEIs to establish innovative competence improvement courses in PSA and increase the number of public sector PhDs. Specifically, digital micro-courses that can be offered to identify problems and propose solutions related to central and local government accounting can be a tool to reduce the practice–academia disconnect.

Children's Literature, Ecocritical Dialogues and Social-Emotional Learning: Developing Integrated Teaching Practices

An innovative primary teacher education course at the University of Padova combines children's literature, ecocritical dialogues, and social-emotional learning (SEL). It aims to enhance educational quality and prepare teachers for global environmental and social challenges. Developed through the Green Dialogues project, it fosters internationalization and interdisciplinarity. This article examines the course's interdisciplinary teamwork, focusing on its design and teaching methods. A case study highlights the benefits of incorporating ecocritical and SEL approaches in climate action teacher education. The course illustrates how children's stories can foster environmental and social consciousness and empathy among students. This approach not only enhances pedagogical practices but also prepares teachers to contribute meaningfully to climate literacy and social equity in European higher education.