Empowering Educators: Lessons Learned at the 2024 CADE Education Conference
UDI’s Director of Digital Innovation Travels to Lima, Peru
October 3, 2024
Dale Johnson, the Director of Digital Innovation for the University Design Institute, recently attended the Education for Well-Being Conference (CADE) in Lima, Peru and also led workshops at Universidad Norbert Wiener. The visit was the latest move in advancing ASU’s digital learning strategy in the region.
At CADE, Johnson presented a session titled, “Wellbeing Strategies to Enhance Quality Learning in Higher Education,” to address the urgent need in higher education to reduce student dropout and develop a stronger sense of belonging at their institution.
“We need to create a learner experience that promotes well-being instead of stress. Learning is more effective and efficient when the student is in a healthy state of mind,” said Johnson. “Technology can help us reimagine teaching and learning if we combine it with changes in pedagogy that encourage personal interactions which foster well-being.”
The theme of the conference was the global emphasis on student well-being - a critical topic that has gained momentum following the COVID-19 pandemic. While a shift to remote learning was necessary during that period, many students have since reported higher levels of isolation, stress, and difficulties adapting to the new learning style.
Throughout the conference, Johnson engaged with a variety of educators and journalists from Peru, uncovering a shared commitment to enhancing the learning experience. There is clearly a growing awareness among higher education professionals of the importance of reimagining the learning experience to boost student outcomes, such as retention and graduation rates.
As part of the visit, Johnson also participated in several Spanish-language interviews discussing the impact of digital technology and online learning in the higher education ecosystem.
Read Johnson’s Full Interview with “El Comercio”
Historically, many institutions overlooked these critical factors, but there is now a palpable shift toward understanding that student success is intrinsically linked to the quality of the student experience. This evolution signifies an exciting opportunity for institutions to not only improve administrative support services but also to make changes to their pedagogical model to enable student success.
Conference attendees engaged in discussions covering several topics of student life including physical, mental, emotional, and academic well-being. In a unique touch, the conference integrated sessions of meditation and yoga within the general agenda, highlighting the importance of physical wellness and mindfulness.
Overall, the Education for Well-Being Conference in Peru served as a powerful reminder of the evolving landscape of global higher education. By prioritizing student health and learning experience, universities have the potential to improve educational outcomes and foster a stronger culture.