CEHHS Faculty Present Research at International Conference

AUSTIN, TX. - Dr. Stein Brunvand and Dr. David Hill, Associate Professors from the UM-Dearborn College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS), presented research on the gamification of learning at the 28th Society for Informational Technology in Teacher Education (SITE) annual conference held this year in Austin, Texas from March 5-9, 2017.

Dr. Stein Brunvand

Dr. Brunvand and Dr. Hill have been using GradeCraft in their undergraduate courses since the 2015 winter semester to create gameful learning experiences for their students.  GradeCraft is a gamified learning management system (LMS) that was created on the Ann Arbor campus. 

In a gamified course, students have the freedom to choose what assignments they will complete in order to earn the points they need to “level up” to the overall grade they want.  This is much like a video game environment where players earn points in order to move through the different levels of the game.  In addition, in a gamified course there are locks/unlocks with different assignments and tasks that students need to complete in order to access more difficult assignments.  This is also similar to a video game that requires the player to find hidden treasure, secret keys and other items in order to unlock other challenges and levels. 

The use of gamified learning has increased within the educational community over the last decade in an attempt to enhance student learning in multiple ways. 

Dr. David Hill

In particular, researchers have started to examine gamified learning and the potential impact on student motivation and engagement within educational settings. However, few studies have examined the relationship between specific tools embedded within a LMS and student outcomes at the postsecondary level.

The purpose of this study conducted by Dr. Brunvand and Dr. Hill was to investigate the impact of a grade predictor tool embedded within GradeCraft on 75 college students’ ability to accurately predict their final grades. You can view their presentation slides online if you are interested in learning more about their work.

CEHHS Welcomes New Chair of Health and Human Services Department

DEARBORN, MI. - On March 13, 2017, the College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS) welcomed Dr. Patricia Wren as the new Chair of Health and Human Services Department.

Dr. Wren earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in the management of public services from DePaul University in Chicago, IL.  Later, she completed her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Health Behavior/Health Education and her Ph.D. in Education both at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Dr. Patricia Wren, Chair of Health and Human Services Department

Her experience in the Health field started in the School of Public Health, at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as Assistant Research Scientist. In 2006, she joined the faculty at Oakland University as an Assistant Professor in the Wellness, Health Promotion, and Injury Prevention Program.  In 2010, she was promoted to Associate Professor and named Program Director of the Applied Health Sciences Program and also became the first director of Oakland University’s Master of Public Health Program (MPH) program in 2013.  In 2016, Dr. Wren was promoted to the rank of professor.

Dr. Wren is delighted to continue her career in CEHHS, "This College understands that the health of individuals, families, and communities is fundamentally related to the strength of our educational systems, ease of access to health care, and the provision of robust human and social services", she said. 

She also encourages students to consider enrolling in one of the CEHHS' Health and Human Services programs: "Look for me in the schedule of classes, in the hallway, and at events. I look forward to working closely with everyone to help make a difference in our region."

Volunteers of America Awards CEHHS Staff

DETROIT, MI.- On Friday, March 3, 2017, Angela Capuano, PhD, LP, BCBA-D, and Jennifer L.S. Teller, PhD, represented the College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS) at the Volunteers of America (VOA) Technical Planning Session for Health Professionals Opportunity Grant (HPOG).

The planning session was held at the Wayne County Community College District - Northwest Campus in Detroit. During the meeting, Drs. Capuano and Teller were honored with the HPOG Champions award for their work in training HPOG participants and identifying placement opportunities.

HPOG is administered by the Administration for Children and Families, US Department of Health and Human Services, to provide education and training for healthcare occupations that turn into a career. Volunteers of America HPOG strives to support participants and their families to ensure successful completion of healthcare training programs and positive retention of meaningful employment in Wayne County.

HPOG’s slogan is “Together, we are ending generational poverty through healthcare careers.” In addition to other partners, CEHHS has been assisting Volunteers of America with the HPOG training opportunities. This year, CEHHS offered training slots to HPOG participants for the Registered Behavior Technician training. Next year’s plans include expanding the opportunities to other certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programming associated with healthcare careers.

HPOG participants are a) individuals receiving federal cash assistance, b) military veterans who are experiencing low income or homelessness, or c) individuals who are at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Line. Over the five-year grant period, HPOG will support 1,250 individuals.

Supportive services provided by HPOG to participants include training fees, dependent care stipend, vehicle repair, training supplies, uniforms, medical screening, background checks, exam fees, books, and transportation assistance.