Parallel Session V - Room 5

Research Paper

Session Chair: Marie Therese Angeline Bustos, University of the Philippines - Diliman, Philippines

Critically Recycling through Community Engaged Learning [8890]
Marcela Godoy and Diane Geng
New York University Shanghai

Abstract

One of the most critical environmental and social concerns in recent times is the issue of plastic waste and pollution. While recycling and repurposing are often presented as solutions to this problem, more than simply teaching students how to remake or repurpose plastics is required. This paper presents a university course that teaches students how to recycle plastic waste while critically examining the problems this and other technologies bring into society, as well as its potential applications to benefit people. By incorporating service-learning and critical making, the course attempts to minimize the environmental impact of plastic waste and support students in creative waste recycling initiatives in a school and community setting. Most importantly, the course offers a critical approach to new media art education, which is crucial to exposing, criticizing, and raising awareness of these social and environmental issues. The course collaborates with the university’s Office for Community Engaged Learning (CELO), which connects faculty and students with the surrounding community and facilitates academic service-learning opportunities.

Keywords: Academic Service Learning, Community Engaged Learning, Critical Making, Recycling

Thematic Area(s): 3. Service-Learning in Graduate, Secondary, and Co-curricular Education & 7. Theory, Concept, Pedagogy, and Methods

Experimental by Design: Amalgamating Design Innovation Education through Academia and Industry Collaboration [7915]
Shan Chian Mark Teo¹ and Hai Meng Nat Liew^2
1Singapore Institute of Technology
²Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Abstract

Collaboration between academia and industry is essential for fostering innovation and bringing fresh perspectives to both sectors. By stepping outside of their organizational boundaries, academia and industry can leverage their unique strengths to solve complex problems more effectively. This partnership fosters a two-way learning process where academic institutions contribute deep theoretical knowledge and research expertise, while industry offers practical insights and real-world applications.

Students benefit immensely from such collaborations, as they can learn in real-world contexts, working alongside industry professionals to design solutions for real people. This hands-on experience allows students to explore fundamental "why" questions, driving them to uncover new possibilities and innovative solutions. Academia provides the necessary tools, infrastructure, and support, empowering students to turn their ideas into tangible outcomes.

Moreover, this collaboration prompts a significant mindset shift in both settings. Students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, adopting a problem-solving approach that combines academic rigor with practical application. The mutual exchange of knowledge and resources between academia and industry not only accelerates technological advancements but also prepares students for future careers, making them well-rounded and industry-ready professionals. Ultimately, such partnerships drive progress and innovation, addressing societal challenges more effectively than either sector could achieve alone.

Keywords: Interdisciplinary collaboration, Innovation, Applied Learning, Academia Industry Collaboration, Service Learning

Thematic Area(s): 3. Service-Learning in Graduate, Secondary, and Co-curricular Education & 4. Transdisciplinary, Intercultural and Global Learning through Service-Learning