Designing new learning platforms

Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) regularly develops new programmes and platforms to give our students unique learning opportunities.
   
• The Christieara Programme (TCP) was enhanced with the addition of an environmental and society studies programme. TCP, a comprehensive talent development programme, stretches the potential of students through activities such as empowerment camps, dialogue sessions with political leaders, personal development workshops, adventure learning trips and community service projects. Membership for the programme grew by 67 percent last year to reach more than 3,000.
   
• The School of InfoComm Technology (ICT) launched the ICT++ Programme, which is designed to complement the School’s core curriculum to nurture confident, competent and versatile graduates. The programme aims to give all ICT students opportunities to attend talks, seminars, short courses and workshops to help them to develop soft skills that complement their technical expertise.
   
• The School of Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) collaborated with the Human Library Singapore to run the Heroes Seminar 2012 where prominent local figures and inspirational NP alumni were available for “loan” to students at the library. For two weeks, 66 “living books” shared their varied experiences in dialogue sessions which were opened to 2,000 final-year students pursuing the IS elective called World Issues: A Singapore Perspective.
   
• To inspire design thinking skills and creativity amongst students, IS organised the inaugural Creative Seminar which showcased top Singapore creative talents to NP students. These top-notch creative directors from the industry shared how they generate outstanding creative ideas that work.
   
• Ideawerkz, the Polytechnic’s centre to promote innovation, launched the Ideawerkz Innovation Challenge to encourage students to come up with ideas to create a livelier campus, help students manage study stress, and promote innovation amongst students. Thirty-nine teams participated in the competition with the $2,500 top prize going to School of Business & Accountancy student Sean Tan (photo). Sean designed a Canteen Proximity Sensors application that shows available seats in the canteens around campus.
   
• Under NP’s Augmented Learning Media (NPALM) initiative, the School of Health Sciences (HS) has incorporated mobile technology into the training of its nursing students through iPod Touch and iPhone. This move aims to promote independent learning among students by making available, at their fingertips, resources that facilitate their learning both on campus and during clinical attachments.
   
• Entrepreneurs-Connect@NP (EC@NP), the Polytechnic’s one-stop centre that nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit among students, organised the forum, “Entrepreneurship in the New Era”. More than 100 students attended the forum, where successful entrepreneurs shared their strategies for growing businesses.