Students In Programs Research Articles

Improving accessibility, engagement and usefulness of online information literacy tutorials based on student feedback

PurposeIn order to evaluate a new series of online information literacy tutorials, students in a first-year experience program were invited to take a perception survey. The survey asked respondents if they perceived the tutorials to be accessible, engaging and useful. The feedback informed changes to tutorial learning objects in order to improve student learning of information literacy concepts.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a survey instrument comprised of quantitative and qualitative questions about online tutorial accessibility, engagement and usefulness. All students enrolled in first-year experience courses at the end of the Fall 2022 semester were invited to take the survey.FindingsThe results suggest that the majority of respondents perceive the tutorials as useful for completing college-level assignments (62.5%) and easy to access and navigate (85%). Ratings for engagement are mixed; less than half of respondents perceive the tutorials to be engaging (44%). Analysis of qualitative questions may point to a connection between the perceived usefulness of a tutorial and a user’s engagement with the material.Originality/valueThis paper discusses the evaluation of tutorials comprised of vendor-produced content mixed with institutionally created content. It includes the survey instrument designed to collect student perceptions of these tutorials.

UPDATE KNOWLEDGE: PERAN GENDER DAN MASA KERJA TERHADAP MOTIVASI KERJA PERAWAT DI RAWAT INAP RUMAH SAKIT

<p><em>Quantitative workload can be expressed as the amount of work required to fulfil a patient's medical needs. High-quality workload represents a high level of responsibility in patient care. Nurses' workload is the most important predictor of mental health, stress, job dissatisfaction, fatigue, and the presence of burnout. This service activity aims to provide and increase student knowledge about the Effect of Gender and Years of Service on Work Motivation of Nurses in Hospital Inpatients to Students of the Hospital Administration Study Program, Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kusuma Husada University, Surakarta by using a pre-experiment design with a research design of one group pretest and post-test design with a total of 35 students and the activity time in May 2024. This service uses quantitative research with multiple linear regression. There is an increase in the knowledge of participants before and after the provision of material marked by the pre-test and post test which shows that the level of knowledge before being given the material is 69% but after being given the material has increased to 89%. There is a significant difference between students' knowledge about gender roles and tenure on nurses' work motivation in hospital inpatient care.</em></p><p><strong><em>Keywords: Workload, Gender, Work motivation, Nurses, Hospitalisation</em></strong><em></em></p>

Factors associated with the permanence of doctoral students. A scoping review

The permanence of students in doctoral programs is a multi-causal phenomenon, which makes it difficult to address and leads to an isolated investigation of its causes, being necessary a joint understanding. The aim is to investigate, through a scoping review of quantitative studies published between 2015 and 2021, the influence of individual, academic, socioeconomic and institutional factors on retention, attrition and dropout. The 32 included studies evidenced a predominance of research focused on individual factors versus few that combined all possibly relevant factors. The present study provides evidence for the emergence of several subfactors: female students, self-efficacy and motivation (individual); the relationship with the supervisor (academic); support for psychological needs (institutional); and migratory status (socioeconomic). This article highlights the need for research that understands this problem with a multifactor approach and an impact on permanence.

Causal Inference Thinking of Elementary School Teacher Professional Education Program Students in Determining Digital Strategies to Solve Mathematical Problems

This research aims to examine the causal inference thinking of PPG PGSD students in solving mathematical problems. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study type. The subjects of this research were four pre-service PPG students from PGSD UM. The instruments for this research include researchers, indicator rubrics, validation sheets, researcher notes, mathematical problems, internet networks, laptops, and handphones. Research subjects as data sources produce data that is analyzed in the form of written answers and recorded interviews. The qualitative data analysis technique used in this research is the interactive model. The results of this research show that fast causal inference thinking is characterized by expressing familiarity with mathematical problem solving, expressing familiarity with accessing digital platforms to solve mathematical problems, accessing digital platforms with keywords, correlating the characteristics of information with specific digital platforms, and Accessing specific digital platforms spontaneously. Slow Causal Inference Thinking is characterized by accessing more than one digital platform to understand a piece of information and read the math problem text repeatedly. The digital platforms that the subjects considered to be a solution were the Google and YouTube platforms.

Use of intraoral mobile photography for screening of oral health in children

Abstract Background The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of intraoral mobile photography to assess caries intensity (DMFT/deft), simplified oral hygiene index (S-OHI) and modified gingival index (MGI). Methods Children aged 7-12 were included in the study. The clinical doctor evaluated the oral health indicators by visual examination: DMFT, deft, S-OHI, MGI were calculated. Dental students independently captured photos with a mobile phone (iPhone-11) in 8 predetermined projections. Dental images were kept in coded folders for research anonymity. Another professional calculated index based on the photos. Variables were used with binary values (DMFT/deft = 0/≥1; MGI=0/≥1; S-OHI≤1.2/>1.2). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) of dental photography were evaluated and Cohen’s Kappa was calculated to measure the level of agreement between two independent observers. Results 2864 photographs were evaluated for 358 participants. The sensitivity and specificity of intraoral mobile photography for DMFT index is 95.8 (95% CI: 93.4-98.3) and 89.2 (95% CI: 83-95.5); For deft index: 100.0 (95% CI: 100-100) and 88.6 (95% CI: 79.3-98); For MGI: 89.7 (95% CI: 85.8-93.5) and 91.4 (95% CI: 86.3-96.5); For S-OHI: 77.6 (95% CI: 67.6-87.6) and 93.8 (95% CI: 91-96.6); The PPV value for DMFT, deft, MGI and S-OHI is 96.2; 97.7; 95.6 and 74.3 and the NPV value is 88.3; 100.0; 80.9 and 94.8 respectively. It was achieved substantial and perfect agreement between two independent raters: For DMFT, deft, MGI, S-OHI indices Cohen’s Kappa =0.85; 0.93; 0.78; 0.70 correspondingly. Conclusions Intraoral mobile photography, if applied within appropriate guidelines is reliable for assessing caries intensity, simplified hygiene index and modified gingival index as well as visual screening and may become a priority for dental public health. The involvement of dental students in studies of similar design is appropriate. Key messages • Intraoral mobile photography can be used for oral health screening in children. • The involvement of dental program students in screening studies conducted with intraoral mobile photography is appropriate.

Language Teacher Agency and Identity in Internationalized Higher Education: An Ecological Perspective

ABSTRACTSubstantial literature has focused on language teacher agency and identity in relation to learners in classrooms. Relatively little research exists regarding the nature of language teacher identity shaped by contextual factors brought on by the internationalization of education. To address the gap in the literature, this study explored how student teachers in a TESOL program negotiate their language teacher agency and identity in the ecosystems of an internationalized institution of higher education while contributing to different ESL programs. While pursuing an MA degree in TESOL with a teaching opportunity at an Intensive English program for non‐matriculating students or an ESL service program for pathway program students at a US university, seven student teachers participated in semi‐structured interviews, which were triangulated with the student teachers’ portfolios of lesson plans and reflection papers. The analysis demonstrated the student teachers’ agentic beliefs, choices, and practices in relation to contextual factors in the nested ecosystems of internationalized higher education, such as international students’ needs in the microsystem, training opportunities in the mesosystem, institutional policy and practice in the exosystem, and broad cultural norms in relation to language education in the macrosystem.

An Equation Model on the Professional Knowledge and Confidence for Future Employment of Students in Programs Supported With Emerging Technologies

Students enrolled in interdisciplinary programs supported with modern information technologies may face more challenges in learning, because they must learn from at least two curricula, including courses of big data, new media technologies and intelligent platform use, etc. Taking students in these programs as an example, this study aims to investigate relationships among eight variables related to student career development. The research employed the quantitative method of Pearson bivariate analysis, ANOVA and Hayes (2017) regression procedure to test the direct and indirect relationship among variables. The researcher developed a moderated mediation model visualizing the relationship between professional knowledge and confidence for successful employment. Recommendations of early intervention targeting first-year students and different curriculum designing were proposed to facilitate planning in the acquisition of professional knowledge and the establishment of career goals, aiming to enhance the career development and success of tertiary vocational college students.

Comparison of perception indicators of the gaming chatbot with puzzles tasks for teaching programming with perception indicators of other educational tools

Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) can be very effective. However, not all digital educational tools are equally effective in different learning situations, for learners of various backgrounds and various disciplines.The aim of the article is to compare the attractiveness, complexity and perceived usefulness of a gaming chatbot with puzzle tasks designed to teach programming with the same indicators of other educational tools.To conduct the study, a gaming chatbot with puzzle tasks, working in individual and team modes, a computer game, as well as a non-gaming chatbot for preparing for seminars and testing were developed and used in the process of teaching programming. The 1st year bachelor’s students of the educational program “Information Security” of the Faculty of Information Technology and Big Data Analysis at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation used these digital educational tools and then evaluated their attractiveness, complexity, and usefulness.Several conclusions were drawn from the study. First, the use of game mechanics and the gaming chatbot with puzzles tasks significantly increases interest in the educational tool, so gaming chatbot has advantages over games and non-gaming chatbots. Second, the attractiveness evaluation of the gaming chatbot exceeded the corresponding evaluation of workshops. Both individual and team modes of gaming chatbot proved to be equally interesting, useful, and challenging for students. Consequently, the gaming chatbot can be used outside the classroom as well as in classroom activities. Third, if different types of gaming chatbot tasks, including those related to writing program code, are incorporated into the gaming chatbot, it will increase the usefulness of the chatbot.The results of the study contribute to the development of digital game-based learning using chatbots, particularly in teaching informatics and programming, and can help to increase the attractiveness of workshops and student engagement in general. The findings may be of practical interest to informatics and programming teachers.

A Training Person Need Analysis for Music Teachers Readiness to Teaching Music Vocational for Visually Impaired Student: A Review

Music vocational is a programme that provides students with work, networking and learning activities outside of school through music performance or other musical activities that encourage students to gain some experience in a music industry job setting. However, music vocational education is still developing and is currently trying to reach students with special needs through special schools. The standardised skills that are commonly used and developed in society need to be understood and practised by children with special needs, especially the visually impaired students. However, its programme some case not being executed by the relevant teachers background. This study aims to examine the need for relevant music teachers for the implementation of music vocational training programmes in special education settings. Literature study on this study to explain the standard specifications of music vocational education and training teachers and how to implement vocational or specialised music learning for visually impaired students. The qualitative data show that vocational music education requires teachers with at least two years' experience and knowledge of music and the music industry, as well as several strategies for teaching visually impaired students in vocational music programmes that are directed towards self-determination in preparation for possible future careers.

Key themes of community-oriented primary care projects from a longitudinal, rural interprofessional health professions curriculum (1997–2023)

BackgroundThe Community Oriented Primary Care Project Model (COPC) has been well studied globally as well as in the United States as a way to provide both community-centered primary care and to engage in community based research. Rural trainees through the University of Illinois College of Medicine’s Rural Medical Education Program (RMED) and Rural Pharmacy Education Program (RPHARM) students through the University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy have participated in a COPC project as a capstone to a four month longitudinal, immersive community-based experience in a rural primary care setting. The purpose of this study was to assess the type of projects implemented through a rural health professions curriculum over a 30 year project period. .MethodsA research team reviewed projects on 30 elements; including topic and demographics. Patterns in COPC topics and rurality of the location in which the COPC project were also examined by using 2021 U.S. Census Bureau population data and Rural Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) Code.ResultsCOPC projects were categorized into 31 main topic areas with mental health being the most prevalent topic area covered by projects (n = 67, 15.7%) followed by 43 (10.1%) projects that focused on nutrition/exercise, and 41 (9.6%) focused on substance use (presented as a separate category from mental health in this analysis).ConclusionsFor three decades, COPC themes reflect priority health issues in rural communities while providing a scholarly activity for health profession student trainees Past projects have also been implemented in highly rural areas where research is not often conducted. The COPC research process can be easily replicated in other trainee models such as to fulfill ACGME requirements of scholarly activity and can provide a template for trainees of this model to implement community-engaged research in the future.

Efektivitas Instagram Sebagai Media Promosi Terhadap Minat Pengunjung Wisata Omah Sukuh, Jawa Tengah

Internship is one of the options for students of the Literature-1 program to complete their final project at the Faculty of Business and Economics, Islamic University of Indonesia. The final project of this Internship was completed by the author by studying Omah Sukuh in collaboration with Perum Perhutani. At the time of the internship, the author was placed in agrotourism in charge of inputting data on visitors who came every month, the number of visitors to Omah Suku was still small who came to tour Omah Sukuh. Regarding the problems faced by the tribe's house, the author wants to analyze how effective Instagram social media is to be a place to promote. The internship was carried out for 4 months from February 13, 2023 to May 14, 2023.The author took a qualitative method for the preparation of this internship final project, data collection was carried out by interviews with the company manager of Perum Perhutani and the person in charge of tourism Omah Sukuh. The author has gained a lot of knowledge and skills such as marketing using influencers on Instagram social media is very effective to be used as a place for promotion. The findings from this study can be used to optimize the use of Instagram as a promotional medium, especially in creating content on Instagram reels with interesting content, the use of hashtags and audio that are relevant and trending. Just like what has been done before, but still increased creativity, innovation, and consistency. This can increase visitors who come from viewing content on Instagram uploaded by influencer content.

Measuring evidence-based practice knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior in students of manual therapy education programs: A scoping review of instruments and their measurement properties.

The purpose of this review was to identify assessment instruments and their measurement properties for assessing evidence-based practice (EBP) knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior among students of manual therapy education programs. 7 electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to May 19, 2023. (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, EBSCO Discovery, LISA, Google Scholar.) Search terms were subject headings specific to each database (MeSH in MEDLINE) and relevant to evidence-based practice, assessment tools/instruments, and manual therapy healthcare professions. Eligible studies included students of manual therapy education programs (chiropractic, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, osteopathy) and provided evidence supporting instrument measurement properties (reliability, validity). Titles and abstracts were screened by 2 reviewers. Data on each instrument and its properties were extracted and tabulated by 2 reviewers. Instruments were compared using the Classification Rubric for EBP Assessment Tools in Education (CREATE) framework including the 5 steps in the EBP model. Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist were followed. 5 studies were identified, (3 physiotherapy, 2 chiropractic) Two studies used a physiotherapy-focused modification of the Fresno test. One study presented the Knowledge of Research Evidence Competencies instrument. Two studies presented original instruments. Instruments focused on the knowledge domain and did not assess all 5 EBP model steps. The current literature does not address all 5 steps of the EBP model. The identified instruments have the potential to ensure chiropractic institutions are graduating chiropractors who are highly skilled in evidence-based practice.

The Impact of Comprehending Islamic and Social Humanities Materials on Students' Perspectives on Resolving Contemporary Social Problems

This study aims to analyze the effect of understanding Islamic and Social Humanities material on student perceptions in addressing contemporary social issues in Indonesia. Using a mixed method approach, this study involved 100 2nd semester students of the Constitutional Law study program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta who were selected through the random sampling method. Data were collected through attitude scales, questionnaires, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using descriptive tests, normality tests, linear tests, and hypothesis testing with regression analysis. The results showed a positive relationship between understanding Islamic and social humanities courses and students' perceptions of contemporary social issues. The correlation is based on a significance value of 0.000 <0.05 and a coefficient of determination (R Square) of 0.585. So this study reveals that the understanding of Islamic and Social Humanities material explains 58% of the variability of student perceptions in addressing contemporary social issues. Students who have an open and critical attitude towards social issues show a good understanding of the course. The process of student understanding develops through several stages, ranging from initial knowledge to the development of complex new ideas. The role of lecturers in providing space for discussion, reflection, and open dialog is very important in facilitating a critical and holistic understanding of contemporary social issues in the context of Islam and the social humanities. Keywords: Islam and Social Humanities, Contemporary Social Issues, Understanding, Perception

The Grammatical Errors in Translating Indonesian into English of the English Study Program Students

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menjawab pertanyaan-pertanyaan berikut: (1) Apa saja kesalahan yang paling sering dilakukan oleh mahasiswa Program Studi Bahasa Inggris dalam menerjemahkan teks bahasa Indonesia ke dalam bahasa Inggris? (2) Bagaimana tingkat kompetensi mahasiswa dalam menerjemahkan teks bahasa Indonesia ke dalam bahasa Inggris? Berdasarkan pernyataan masalah yang dikemukakan di atas, maka tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah sebagai berikut: (1) Mengidentifikasi kesalahan-kesalahan yang paling sering dilakukan oleh mahasiswa Program Studi Bahasa Inggris dalam menerjemahkan teks bahasa Indonesia ke dalam bahasa Inggris, dan (2) Mendeskripsikan tingkat kompetensi mahasiswa dalam menerjemahkan teks bahasa Indonesia ke dalam bahasa Inggris. Subjek penelitian ini adalah 20 orang mahasiswa. Dalam pengumpulan data, penulis menggunakan metode deskriptif. Metode ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kesalahan-kesalahan yang dilakukan oleh siswa. Penulis memberikan sebuah teks bacaan berbahasa Indonesia kepada siswa dan siswa menerjemahkannya ke dalam bahasa Inggris. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah: (1) Jenis kesalahan tata bahasa dalam menerjemahkan teks bahasa Indonesia ke dalam bahasa Inggris yang dibuat oleh mahasiswa Program Studi Bahasa Inggris berdasarkan penghilangan, penambahan, kesalahan urutan dan kesalahan pembentukan. Kesalahan tata bahasa yang paling banyak ditemukan dalam menerjemahkan teks bahasa Indonesia ke dalam bahasa Inggris yang dibuat oleh mahasiswa adalah penghilangan sebanyak 98 kalimat. (2) Tingkat kompetensi, berada pada tingkat kurang. _________________________________________________________________________________ The study aimed to address the following research questions: (1) What are the most common errors made by students of the English Study Program when translating Indonesian texts into English? (2) What is the level of competence of these students in translating Indonesian texts into English? Based on these questions, the objectives of the study were: (1) To identify the most common errors made by English Study Program students in translating Indonesian texts into English, and (2) To describe the students’ levels of competence in translating Indonesian texts into English. The subjects of this study were 20 students. A qualitative method was used for data collection, focusing on describing the errors made by the students. The students were given Indonesian texts to translate into English. The results of the study are as follows: (1) Types of grammatical errors in translating Indonesian texts into English, made by the students, included omission, addition, mis-ordering, and mis-formation. The most common grammatical error was omission, with 98 sentences exhibiting this issue. (2) The overall level of competence among the students was assessed as poor.

Exploring knowledge, perception, and use of surface electromyography in physiotherapy post graduate trainees in Italy: a single center preliminary survey

IntroductionSurface electromyography (sEMG) is a non-invasive technique that records muscle electrical activity using skin-surface electrodes, aiding physiotherapists in assessing and treating muscular and neuromuscular conditions. Despite its potential, sEMG remains underutilized in Italy. This study aims to evaluate Italian physiotherapists’ knowledge and use of sEMG, specifically among those who completed the Master's Degree in Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal and Rheumatological Disorders at the University of Genoa.MethodsThis cross-sectional study, approved by the University of Genoa's Ethical Committee, utilized an anonymous web survey to gather data from physiotherapy students in the master's program. The survey, developed based on the International Handbook of Survey Methodology, consisted of 12 questions covering demographics, previous sEMG experience, the importance of sEMG in practice and research, and educational satisfaction. Data collection spanned from January to May 2024, with a response rate of 72.7% (93 participants). Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the data.ResultsThe average age of respondents was 26.5 years, with 55.9% being male. Only 3.2% reported using sEMG in their practice. While 46.2% considered sEMG moderately important for practice, 40.9% deemed it extremely important for research. Most participants felt their undergraduate education inadequately prepared them for using sEMG, with 81.7% rating their preparation as insufficient. Although the master's program improved sEMG knowledge, 66.7% indicated no significant proficiency gain.ConclusionItalian physiotherapists view sEMG mainly as a research tool rather than a clinical one. The findings highlight the need for curriculum reforms to enhance both theoretical and practical sEMG education. Simplifying and standardizing sEMG protocols and integrating sEMG training into physiotherapy curricula are essential steps to better prepare clinicians for its clinical application.

EMI and DMI, an elitist language learning approach? An investigation of students’ socio-economic and language profiles

ABSTRACT Internationalisation of higher education has really taken off in recent decades, with universities increasingly organising all or parts of their study programmes in a language other than their traditional language of instruction. Usually, that language is English, which is referred to as English Medium Instruction (EMI), but there are also programmes in other foreign languages, such as Dutch Medium Instruction (DMI) in French-speaking Belgium. Previous research links EMI with access inequity. This study investigates whether this inequity also exists in French-speaking Belgium and whether it extends to DMI by examining the socio-economic and language profiles of students in unilingual programmes versus multilingual programmes with DMI and/or EMI courses. An online questionnaire was administered to undergraduate law, political sciences, and economics & management students at a French-speaking university in Belgium. The results indicate that multilingual programmes attract students of higher socio-economic status (SES) and those who benefited from Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) school education, extracurricular activities or more classes in Dutch or English at secondary level. Taken together, these findings suggest that multilingual higher education with DMI/EMI in French-speaking Belgium is closely linked with access inequity. The article ends with suggestions for institutions offering or considering multilingual higher education.

Enhancing Entrepreneurship Education with Innovatively Designed YouTube Videos: Evaluating Student Learning and Effectiveness of Youtube Videos as Educational Tools

The use of video media, particularly YouTube videos, has emerged as highly popular and powerful educational tools in higher education due to its ability to provide rich and engaging content that enhances learners' understanding and retention of information throughout the learning process. Much of the current research highlights a need for more active learning strategies to maximize the educational potential of these videos because traditional Youtube videos tend to create passive learning experiences. However, when properly integrated with active learning strategies through innovative video design and development, Youtube videos can enhance student engagement, learning outcomes, and satisfaction. Therefore, this research aims to innovatively design and develop YouTube videos as educational tools and evaluate students' perceptions of their learning and the effectiveness of the video design and development in higher education involving 20 graduate students in the entrepreneurship education program. The data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and content analysis techniques. The findings showed that the innovatively developed Youtube videos were perceived to be highly appropriate (Mean= 4.52, S.D. = 0.13). Students reported that they learned entrepreneurship more effectively from various scenarios filled with choices and challenges in entrepreneurial paths. They also perceived the effectiveness of Youtube videos as educational tools to be very high (Mean= 4.58, S.D. = 0.72), noting that these videos were effective tools that promotes active and experiential learning experiences. In conclusion, this study indicates that Youtube videos, when innovatively designed and developed as educational tools with active learning strategies, can be implemented as a powerful tool in teaching entrepreneurship.

Использование цифровых технологий в практике преподавания русского языка как иностранного на подготовительном факультете в российском вузе

The article examines the specificities of teaching Russian as a foreign language to pre-graduate and pre-doctoral students in the field of nuclear physics and technologies using digital tools and methods. The work considers the benefits of teaching language for specific purposes with the application of digital tools. The research aims to determine how using digital tools can enhance the effectiveness of teaching Russian as a foreign language for specific purposes in groups of pre-graduate and pre-doctoral students. The research is novel in that it is the first one to formulate the differences between the educational process for students in graduate programs and programs for training scientific and pedagogical personnel in postgraduate studies, compared to undergraduate and specialist programs. In addition, an experiment is conducted to confirm the effectiveness of using digital tools when teaching these student cohorts. The article provides a detailed description of the system of tools used in classes at the National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI” in groups of pre-graduate and pre-doctoral students. As a result of the research, it has been revealed that in the case of a systemic and methodologically justified use of digital tools in Russian as a foreign language classes, the effectiveness of the learning process increases, interest in learning Russian and nuclear physics is stimulated through practical assignments and research activities, and student motivation is also enhanced.

Learning by Doing: The Potential for Experiential Education in Health Promotion

Background: Rural populations face significant health disparities (e.g., high rates of chronic diseases) and unique accessibility barriers (e.g., limited healthcare facilities). Training higher education students to serve as facilitators for chronic disease prevention programs may address rural health promotion needs. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot, exploratory study was to create an experiential learning opportunity for students and examine their experiences. Methodology/Approach: Project leaders completed a Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach training and, based on their experiences, created training program goals, content, and schedule. Undergraduate students in health-related programs or courses were recruited to participate. Four students completed a 4-week experiential training program and, at the end of the program, participated in an individual qualitative interview for researchers to understand their experiences. Findings/Conclusions: Data were analyzed through a qualitative-descriptive approach. The main theme, experiential learning, branched into two subthemes: (a) professional development and (b) program implementation and future program directions. Students’ experiential learning influenced their personal and programmatic views of prevention training. Implications: The benefits of experiential learning in prevention will enhance students’ education and future employment experiences. Future studies should improve upon training delivery and examine the acceptability of this method of delivery in the rural population.

Buddy4Study: Technology-Driven CSR Initiative

Buddy4Study, under the leadership of Burnwal, aimed to extend its reach to thirty million students across India, mainly targeting those in remote and underserved regions. Recognizing the challenges of reaching such a vast and diverse population, Burnwal enlisted the expertise of Mr Gitesh Sharma to develop a strategic plan. Sharma’s approach involved leveraging traditional and digital media to maximize visibility, including newspapers, television, radio and internet marketing. He also proposed innovative grassroots initiatives, such as engaging MBA students in internship programmes to lead village educational awareness campaigns. Additionally, Sharma recommended forming partnerships with NGOs to further amplify these efforts in rural areas, where access to educational resources is often limited. Digital marketing was identified as a key tool, focusing on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn and on mobile-based ads to reach a broader student audience. Sharma also emphasized the importance of meticulously planned digital platforms—such as mobile apps and websites—that offer clear, detailed guidance for scholarship applicants. Burnwal considered whether these strategies would effectively help Buddy4Study reach its ambitious target and impact the educational landscape in India.