Greetings!
Have you heard about gamers working with AIDS researchers to produce new medicines? How about students using solar energy models to fill First Nations reserve housing needs? Or anthropologists linking up with bankers to explain the finance sector on the blogosphere? Interdisciplinary projects like these offer exciting challenges and rewards. How can you motivate your students to think outside the box and engage in interdisciplinarity? Partner with us at UBC Mix!
UBC Mix helps partner instructors, students, and courses together to create an interdisciplinary atmosphere that enhances learning and broadens understanding. Find out more on our website, dig in and get involved on our wiki page, or send me an email at ubc-mix@interchange.ubc.ca! I am the UBC Mix coordinator, and I’m happy to answer your questions and plan your Mixes with you!
How does it work?
We help to connect like-minded instructors across disciplines, providing them with guidance and resources to bring their students together for joint activities and projects.
Possible Mixes?
How about swapping lectures with another instructor to bring new material into both classrooms? Or joining labs and tutorials to explore a common interest? What about holding a data mash-up meeting, bringing students, skills, and fresh data together to create something new? Or applying university knowledge outside the classroom through Community Service Learning projects? Joint lecture series, symposia, and salons offer additional ways to Mixthings up!
How can UBC Mix help?
As the UBC Mix Student Coordinator, my role is to support you in a number of ways:
- Connecting: Are you looking for a UBC Mix partner? If you are looking for a partner for an interdisciplinary learning experience for your students, I will help to locate relevant, interested individuals to join forces with you to provide innovative and exciting projects, events, joint readings, and more for your students.
- Brainstorming: Are you interested in interdisciplinary learning initiatives, but need some additional help transforming your ideas into reality? I am available for consultation meetings in person, on the phone, or by email. Got an idea? Share it with me and we’ll brainstorm ways to make it happen!
- Event Planning: Are you planning a Mix-supported event this year? I can help with room and audio-visual equipment bookings, as well as other preparations. I can also assist you on the day of your event. Plan, publicize, and present your Mix, providing personal support before, during, and after
- Resources: Mix partners can apply for up to $500 to reach Mix goals (e.g. equipment rentals, transportation, guest speaker honoraria, etc.). We also have online resources on our UBC Mix Community Portal, including articles about interdisciplinary learning, examples of current and past Mixes, and ideas for future Mixes.
How can I help you?
I look forward to working with you!
Natalie J.K. Baloy
UBC Mix Student Coordinator
Email: ubc-mix@interchange.ubc.ca
Website: terry.ubc.ca/mix/
Wiki: wiki.ubc.ca/UBC_Mix_Community_Portal