The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg,
launched a new degree program that eliminates the need for traditional
textbooks. Freshmen enrolled in biomedical sciences were given iPads at
orientation and all course materials for the program will be delivered to them
on the device.
The program, designed by the UT System’s Institute for
Transformational Learning, is the first step in a competency-based education initiative
by the institution. Courses will be delivered in a combination of online,
classroom, laboratory, or clinical formats, according to a report on the My Harlingen News blog.
“Using elements of the competency-based approach and
student services supporting creativity, determination, and drive, UTRGV
students are going to be better prepared to take the MCAT, enter medical
school, and be successful medical students,” said Francisco Fernandez, dean of
the UTRGV College of Medicine. “What this will result in is more qualified
doctors coming from the Rio Grande Valley who have the power to transform this
community.”
Students will use their iPads to access classroom and
online content through a mobile-first application designed by the UT System
known as the total education experience or TEx. The TEx app is highly
personalized and allows students to speak with classmates and faculty online
anytime.
“The
most exciting moment for all of us will come in the following years when we see
students succeeding by graduating, entering medical school, and becoming
knowledgeable and talented biomedical researchers and health-care
professionals,” said Marni Baker Stein, chief innovation officer for the UT
System.
