By: Robin Young-Cournoyer MSN., RN associate professor of Nursing
As educators, we all strive to engage our students in active learning experiences that go beyond traditional methods. At Goodwin University, our approach to education is deeply rooted in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework designed to create inclusive educational environments that accommodate the diverse needs of all students.
Education is a collaborative effort between students and educators, and active participation is crucial for success. One powerful way to encourage this engagement is through hackathons, which develop critical thinking skills and prepare students for their professional journeys.
What is a hackathon?
A hackathon is an event where participants collaborate intensively to solve problems, create new projects, or develop innovative solutions within a set timeframe.
Typically, hackathons bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as programming, design, business, or healthcare, to work on real-world challenges. During a hackathon, participants engage in creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, often developing prototypes or projects by the end of the event.
While hackathons are commonly associated with technology and coding, they can be applied to various fields, including nursing, to encourage hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The role of hackathons in Nursing education
At Goodwin University, each fall semester, a hackathon assignment is integrated into the Foundations of Professional Nursing course in our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. This experiential learning opportunity allows students to apply their knowledge in a hands-on, dynamic environment — fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential in the nursing profession.
In addition to satisfying learning outcomes for the ABSN program at Goodwin, the hackathon aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials. The AACN Essentials provide a framework for nursing education that emphasizes competency-based learning, ensuring that nursing students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the healthcare profession.
A multimodal learning experience
In today’s diverse classrooms, it’s essential for courses to offer multiple ways for students to engage with the material. By incorporating a hackathon into your curriculum, you’re providing an alternative form of learning that is both interactive and engaging. Hackathons offer a space for students to become passionate about their education in a collaborative, innovative setting, where they can push the boundaries of traditional learning.
This type of experiential learning not only meets educational outcomes but also helps shape students into the leaders we need in the workforce. Hackathons inspire creativity, foster teamwork, and equip students with essential problem-solving skills for professional environments.
Enhancing learning with Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
As a UDL Teaching Fellow at Goodwin University, I’ve had the privilege of presenting both locally and nationally on the benefits of implementing UDL strategies to enhance student learning.
Incorporating hackathons into the curriculum is a perfect example of how UDL principles can create a more inclusive and engaging learning experience. UDL encourages the use of diverse educational modalities to meet the varying needs of students. A hackathon aligns perfectly with this approach, offering students multiple means of engagement, representation, and action.
This dynamic learning environment supports not only their academic growth but also their personal and professional development. By integrating hackathons into your curriculum, you are not only meeting educational outcomes but also inspiring students to become passionate, skilled, and innovative professionals. Hackathons provide a unique opportunity for students to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting, preparing them for future challenges and successes.
Robin Young-Cournoyer MSN, RN, Associate professor of Nursing
Robin Young-Cournoyer was born in Revere, Massachusetts, and grew up in Nashua, New Hampshire. She and her husband, Tony, met in college and have raised three amazing young men. She launched Nurse Consultants LLC, an independent childcare consulting company in 1990. This has enabled her to work with children, childcare teachers, owners, and directors. She has had the opportunity to work in many specialty areas. She is passionate about our seniors and making sure they have access to the resources in the community. She is a board member on the council on aging, GSSSI, and the Holland Helpers. In 2019, she launched a second company, Advocates for Senior Independence. Her goal after graduating from UConn was to obtain employment as a college professor working with a diverse group of students. Robin feels it is such an honor to be part of the very welcoming Goodwin University community and all it has to offer to students.
Robin Young Cournoyer was born in Revere, Massachusetts, and grew up in Nashua, New Hampshire. She and her husband, Tony, met in college and have raised three amazing young men. She started an independent childcare consulting company 27 years ago. This has enabled her to work with children, childcare teachers, owners, and directors. She has had the opportunity to work in many specialty areas, but is passionate about pediatrics and maternity. Her goal after graduating from UConn was to obtain employment as a college professor working with a diverse group of students. She says it is an honor to be part of the very welcoming Goodwin community and all it has to offer students.