Interview with Tim Cooke, Web Content Editor of Ida Institute
Q: What is the Ida Institute?
A: The Ida Institute is a non-profit organization that shares and creates knowledge for the benefit of hearing care professionals and students around the world. Our mission is to foster a better understanding of the human dynamics of hearing loss. Human dynamics refers to the social and psychological challenges of hearing loss. Our goal is to make patient-centered care the core of hearing care practice around the world.
A: The Institute is located in Nærum, Denmark, a small town just north of Copenhagen, which is the capital of Denmark.
Q: How long has it been established?
A: The Ida Institute was established in 2007 through a grant by the Oticon Foundation. The Oticon Foundation sponsors social and educational programs, conferences and campaigns for hearing care researchers, professionals and the general public.
Q: What was the inspiration behind its development?
A: Research has shown that while there have been great advances in technology and hearing aids over the last 10 years, these advances have not led to significant improvements in patient outcomes. In other words, the technology was getting better, but hearing impaired persons still encountered challenges when living with their hearing loss. The Ida Institute was founded to focus on the non-technological aspects associated with hearing loss.
Q: How can those interested sign up to become a part of Ida Institute and access its resources?
A: Anyone in the hearing care community is welcome to sign up and become a member of the My Ida online community. All one needs to do is visit this page on our website and fill out the registration form: http://idainstitute.com/system/registration/.
Q: What types of services are afforded to members of the site?
A: Once you are a member, you will gain access to our entire website. You will be able to view and download all of our tools. You will have access to the Ida Forum, where you can share ideas with other members of the Ida community. You will be able to take our free, online E-Learning Lab on the Ida Motivation Tools and gain academic credit. You will also have the ability to network with other My Ida members.
Q: Do you believe that the Ida Institute may be a useful resource for Audiology Graduate students?
A: Very much so. This would be a good resource for information on the social and psychological aspects of hearing loss. The website includes lectures and videos exploring various topics and issues regarding the human dynamics of hearing loss. Also, the Ida Forum affords students the opportunity to share ideas with some of the leading academics in the field of audiology.
Q: If so, how do you believe Audiology students may best take advantage of the Ida Institute and all that it offers?
A: First, I would recommend that students take the time to browse through our Tool Room: http://idainstitute.com/tool_room/. This will give you a good sense of some of the topics and challenges we attempt to address through our collaborative process. Second, I suggest that students take our E-Learning course to learn more about the Ida Motivation Tools: http://idainstitute.com/e_learning/. After viewing the tool room and the E-learning course, I think it would be best to reflect on what you viewed, possibly write down a couple of questions you have about the tools and the topics covered, and then share these questions in the Ida Forum.
Q: How does the Ida Institute engage students in its mission and new projects?
A: We have an excellent relationship with Michelle Arnold, who is a research audiologist at the University of South Florida. She moderates our student group on the Ida website, where students can share ideas and thoughts in a closed forum. We also have strong relationships with universities and colleges around the world that have audiology departments. Through these relationships, we work together with educators to incorporate Ida tools and methods into their curricula.
Q: What services do you believe may be best useful to Audiology students?
A: The entire website is a great resource for information, but I think that the best resource is the Ida Forum. The opportunity to connect with other audiologists and share experiences can certainly help students and professionals alike develop critical professional skills.
Q: On the about page, you mention that the Ida Institute is organized around the concept of “collaborative learning”. What do you mean by this?
A: Good question. Collaborative learning is a core part of the Ida Institute. We are not a traditional think tank or research institution. We collaborate with researchers, professionals and students around the world to develop knowledge and create tools and methods for the profession. So, our tools are developed by and for audiologists. The Ida Institute does not create information, but acts more like a facilitator, guiding the process on the way.
One of the core activities of the Ida Institute is our seminar series. At the seminars we invite hearing care professionals to Denmark to focus on key issues related to the social and psychological aspects of hearing loss. The seminars include interactive workshops, group discussion, individual reflection and lectures from Ida faculty.
Q: What type of collaborative learning do you believe may be a valuable tool for Audiology students to utilize?
A: Get out there and share your thoughts and ideas about audiology on the Ida Forum. In this way, we can collaborate and learn from each other’s experiences.
Q: What countries or region of the world do you offer support to?
A: We are global in scope and aim to make an impact in all countries around the world.
Q: Are there any opportunities for research, scholarships, or mentorships for Audiology Graduate students through Ida Institute?
A: At this time, we do not have any opportunities for research and scholarships. However, we are always looking for creative partnerships and ways to work together to support our mission.
Q: What has been your most intriguing or most memorable experience working with Ida Institute?
A: So far, the most memorable experience has been taking part in our current seminar series on Managing Change. http://idainstitute.com/events/seminars/managing_change/ this was the first time I attended an Ida seminar. It gave me the opportunity to experience our creative, collaborative process up close. I came away meeting lots of great people and feeling inspired to share more knowledge via our website.
For more information on Ida Institute, please visit the website at http://www.idainstitute.com/, or follow the Ida Institute on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter. Tim Cooke may be reached directly at tim@idainstitute.com. You may also, follow Tim on twitter @idatim.
No comments:
Post a Comment