Exemplary Learning Environment | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: This article was originally published in ECU News Services.

ECU School of Dental Medicine named Apple Distinguished Program

    The East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine has been named an Apple Distinguished Program for the 2012-2013 school year for the innovative implementation of technology in all aspects of its didactic, problem-solving and clinical education programs.

    The Apple Distinguished Program designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence and demonstrate Apple's vision of exemplary learning environments. The ECU School of Dental Medicine has created an exemplary environment with 31 rooms and clinical spaces connected by teleconferencing, integrated seminar rooms and simulation labs, and community-based clinics in rural parts of North Carolina.

    "Within the next two years, we'll be placing fourth-year students in underserved areas across the state to help improve oral health," said Dr. Greg Chadwick, dean of the ECU School of Dental Medicine. "This entire concept rests upon connectivity through these technologies."

    ECU's selection as an Apple Distinguished Program highlights its successes in improving and extending teaching and learning with thoughtful and innovative uses of technology.

    Dr. Todd Watkins, assistant dean for dental education and informatics, has created customized problem-based learning networks, implemented seven different e-books/journals and has filed a patent for a new competency-based outcomes assessment engine in the form of a grid called XComP (extensible competencies platform).

    "Educators at all levels are seeking better ways to assess student performance," said Dr. Phyllis Horns, ECU vice chancellor for health sciences. "The ECU XComP for quantitative assessment is becoming a significant tool for educators. Apple's recognition identifies the advances that the School of Dental Medicine has made for all of education, not just health science programs. We are very proud of the accomplishment."