Perspective | Learning Beyond Classrooms: Reflections from the RESHAPE Project Meeting and Excursion
Introduction
The first RESHAPE Project Meeting and Excursion in Finland and Sweden was a valuable learning experience for the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP). The visit provided opportunities to exchange ideas, explore innovative educational approaches, and strengthen collaboration among partner institutions working toward the shared goal of promoting planetary wellbeing.
Sharing Digital Innovation
One of the highlights of the program was the Hybrid Peer Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange session, where partner institutions shared experiences and practices in teaching and learning innovation. During this session, UNDIP presented its digital teaching ecosystem, including learning management systems, online collaboration platforms, digital libraries, and innovative learning resources that support hybrid and online education. These discussions enabled partners to compare approaches and identify opportunities for future collaboration.
Learning from Finland and Sweden
The visit provided valuable insights into how higher education institutions integrate planetary wellbeing principles into education. We were particularly inspired by their commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusion, ensuring that all students can fully participate in learning activities. This broadened our understanding of wellbeing as a concept that encompasses environmental sustainability, social justice, and equal opportunities.
Multisensory Learning Experiences
Among the most inspiring activities were demonstrations of multisensory learning environments. These innovative spaces immerse learners through sound, visuals, spatial design, and interactive experiences, transforming complex concepts into memorable learning opportunities. Inspired by these examples, UNDIP introduced a concept for a Multisensory Space focused on occupational health and safety in metal casting workplaces. The proposed environment would allow students to identify hazards, assess risks, and recommend appropriate control measures through immersive simulation.
Yudhy Dharmawan presenting the digital teaching ecosystem of University of Diponegoro, Indonesia.
The Value of International Collaboration
Beyond academic activities, the project meeting strengthened relationships among consortium members. Workshops, study visits, and informal networking sessions created opportunities to learn from diverse cultural and institutional perspectives. Although each partner operates within a unique context, we discovered many shared challenges and aspirations related to sustainability, health promotion, community engagement, and educational innovation.
Looking Forward
For UNDIP, the experience reinforced the importance of integrating planetary wellbeing into curriculum development and teaching practices while further developing and exploring the use of multisensory learning environments. Moving forward, we aim to combine digital learning technologies with experiential and community-based approaches while continuing to learn from our RESHAPE partners. We are grateful for the hospitality, inspiration, and collaboration that characterized the first project meeting and look forward to transforming these shared experiences into meaningful educational innovations.
Authors:
- Yudhy Dharmawan, S.KM., M.Kes., M.Sc., Ph.D
- Prof. Dr. Yuliani Setyaningsih, S.KM., M.Kes
- Dzul Fahmi Afriyanto, S.KM., M.K.M
- Naintina Lisnawati, S.K.M., M.Gizi
(Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), Indonesia)