1. 1 Teaching Biomechanics in Vietnam THE METHODS AND CHALLENGES OF INCORPORATING WESTERN EDUCATION IN THE FAR EAST B. Rhett Rigby Mentor: Dr. Benjamin Kelley Scholar’s Day 2009 Funded by a grant from the Vietnam Education Foundation

2. The Country: Việt Nam One half the size of Texas Three times the population of Texas 1965-1975: Vietnam War 1975-1994: Trade embargo 1995: Clinton reestablishes diplomatic ties 2001: Bush signs Bilateral Trade Agreement 2009: Baylor teaches engineering in Hà Nội! 2

3. The Location: Hà Nội, Việt Nam 3

4. The Partner: Hanoi Univ. of Technology Hanoi University of Technology – Đại Học Bách Khoa Hà Nội Established 1956 42,000 students 1,700 faculty 14 faculties 7 institutes 16 research centers 4

5. The Travels: Hà Nội, Việt Nam On-site, 2 weeks, Feb-March 2009 – 4 lectures with Dr. Kelly present – 2 lectures via Elluminate From Baylor, 11 weeks – 22 lectures 5

6. The Course: Engineering Biomechanics In English (American style) February and May at HUT (8:00-10:00 am) March and April from Baylor (7:00-9:00 pm) Built around a design project – Design report and presentation – Orthopedic “bone plate” Mid-term exam and Final exam 6

7. The Media Coverage: Vietnam News, Feb. 09

8. The Book: Custom for this Course Compiled from internet sources – 40 topics – Title page, Powerpoint slides, readings in each chapter Organized by session/chapter/class day 8

9. The Content: Course Syllabus Included in book While in Ha Noi (February) – Design concepts and technical content – Anatomy and technical content While at Baylor (March & April) – Technical content and technical content (same) While in Ha Noi (May) – Muscle and other topics – Design presentations 9

10. The Software: Elluminate Live Real time online learning & collaboration Employs a web cam Fast audio Low bandwidth Baylor supports Can record Import PowerPoint slides 10

11. The Impressions: Student Observations Vietnamese students are prepared Understand English – Hesitant to speak in formal classroom – Accommodating Enthusiastic Anxious to participate Love America 11

12. The Observations: Lessons Learned Language less a barrier Different expectations – Class schedule – Attending class – Asking questions – HW assignments Email difficulties HUT computers 12

13. Questions?