A new BIP on Design Thinking
Following a BIP last March, the IHECS international department launched a new Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), this time specifically dedicated to academic staff.
Techno-pedagogues, educational advisors and trainers gathered in Brussels to rethink their teaching methods and learning support using tools and methodologies inspired by Design Thinking. An online preparatory phase enabled participants to approach the workshops with a common foundation.
This BIP brought together 12 colleagues from partner institutions, joined for the occasion by 10 external participants, as well as members of IHECS's Pedagogical and Technological Support Unit (CAPT). Together, they were able to discover concrete and practical solutions to support teachers beyond traditional approaches, but also to stimulate their creativity while reflecting on pedagogical approaches centred on the needs of learners.
The training week began with a lecture by Laure Englebert, Director of Studies, on the role of design in creating innovative educational solutions. This presentation aimed to forge links between design and pedagogy, while taking into account developments in teaching practices and the current challenges facing higher education in terms of student diversity.
One of the highlights of the week was a presentation by Nicolas Roland, founder of Caféine.Studio and consultant in educational innovation. Through a practical and participatory approach, he introduced participants to the design thinking process, enabling them to explore, experiment and integrate this method into their practices. Small group workshops punctuated the training, providing opportunities for experimentation, reflection and practical application.
Friday's interactive round table brought the week to a successful close, providing a special opportunity to share learning, feedback and ideas for further action.
The CAPT on the way to co-creation workshops
Created in November 2023, the Educational and Technological Support Unit (CAPT) offers students and teachers support in the use of technological tools.
This BIP has enabled the team to strengthen its skills in educational innovation. From the start of the new academic year, the CAPT will be able to offer IHECS teachers co-creation workshops, tailor-made to meet their needs. This BIP is therefore a concrete step towards establishing a sustainable culture of educational innovation within our institution.
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Djazïa Bessalah, coordinator at CAPT, and Inès Frère, from the international department, for their involvement in this project, as well as to the universities of Clermont-Ferrand and Bucharest, partners in the programme. We would also like to thank the speakers and participants in this edition of the BIP, as well as everyone at IHECS who contributed, directly or indirectly, to the organisation of this week.
