Innovative Approaches to Tourism Education: A Case Study of Collaborative Design Thinking for Sustainable Solutions

Resumo

Objectives | This workshop aimed to extend the experiential learning gained from the ProGlobe virtual exchange projects to a week-long, in-person Summer School focused on applying design thinking principles to address global sustainability challenges. The objective was to foster cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary collaboration among students from H-BRS in Germany, IPV in Portugal, Fanshawe College in Canada, and Middle Tennessee State University in the USA.

Methodology | The workshop spanned five phases over three days, incorporating a range of activities to facilitate learning and collaboration. These phases include Orientation, Cultural Awareness, Sustainability & Environmental Issues, Design Thinking Charrette, and Charrette Presentation. Each phase was designed to progressively guide students through the process of understanding, ideating, and presenting solutions to sustainable global issues.

Main Results and Contributions | The workshop's multi-phase structure empowered students to deepen their understanding of sustainability, cultural awareness, and interdisciplinary collaboration. During the Design Thinking Charrette, students conceived innovative ideas, including a sustainable culturally themed restaurant. This concept integrated eco-conscious materials, energy-efficient technologies, and locally-sourced organic ingredients. While these were conceptual ideas, they demonstrated the students' capacity to think creatively and consider sustainability in practical contexts. The workshop's emphasis on design thinking and sustainability provided a platform for students to explore innovative solutions for global challenges. This experience not only equipped students with valuable skills but also empowered them to be proactive contributors to a more sustainable future.

Limitations | Even though the workshop provides a robust platform for collaborative learning, it is essential to acknowledge the time-constrained nature of the event. The condensed schedule may limit the depth of exploration in some phases, requiring students to engage with complex topics in a focused manner.

Conclusions | The workshop's emphasis on design thinking and sustainability provided a platform for students to explore innovative solutions for global challenges. This experience not only equipped students with valuable skills but also empowered them to be proactive contributors to a more sustainable future. The conceptualization of a sustainable culturally themed restaurant served as a tangible demonstration of their creative potential and their ability to consider sustainability in practical contexts. This workshop has showcased the students' capacity to think innovatively and collaboratively in addressing complex global issues. It has not only equipped them with the tools to navigate such challenges but also fostered cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary collaboration, preparing them to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.

References

Braulacht, R., Martins, M. L., & Poppi, F. (2022). Virtual exchange: offering 21stcentury skills training through interactive online collaboration in Higher Education. In C. Lütge (Ed.), Foreign Language Learning in the Digital Age Theory and Pedagogy for Developing Literacies (1st ed., chapter 8). London, Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003032083

Fonseca, P., Julian, K., Hulme, W., Martins, M. D. L., & Brautlacht, R. (2021). Themulti-disciplinary approach to an interdisciplinary virtual exchange. In M. Satar(Ed.), Virtual exchange: towards digital equity in internationalisation (pp. 41-49).Research-publishing.net. https://doi.org/10.14705/rpnet.2021.53.1288