Transdisciplinary Applied Learning Abroad: Fostering Professional Growth in Agetech Solutions

<p dir="ltr">The rapid global increase in the aging population presents significant challenges for higher education (HE), particularly in developing and implementing digital solutions to support healthy aging. The DeCoLea project has promoted cross-cultural and transdisciplinary education in Singapore and Finland by fostering collaboration between higher education institutions, agetech companies, and living labs. This presentation explores a pedagogical case study from the advanced phase of learning, implemented in partnership with two companies at a senior activity center in Singapore. </p><p dir="ltr">Method: The pedagogical framework employed transdisciplinary applied learning, transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries by integrating knowledge, skills, and methodologies across education, research, business, daycare centers, and elderly care (Grigorovich, 2019). The practical component involved testing two digital agetech solutions (Medeka, Virtual Route, and VR-videos from Finnish nature) with older adults at a senior activity center in Singapore. A Finnish occupational therapy student in the final stage of her studies designed and conducted the implementation in collaboration with the activity center's staff, solution developers, and supervisors from universities over two weeks. This hands-on approach emphasized experiential learning, reflection, and reporting. The student developed critical thinking, co-development skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative competencies by addressing the needs and perspectives of companies, staff, and older adults during both guided and independent interactions. The student collected, analyzed, and reported findings from the testing phase, with reflections gathered from the student, staff, and business partners. </p><p dir="ltr">Results: The international and transdisciplinary internship provided both anticipated and unexpected learning outcomes. Working in a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary context requires openness to diverse perspectives while reinforcing professional expertise and ethical considerations. Transdisciplinary collaboration broadens viewpoints, fostering co-creation of ideas that may not emerge in isolated disciplinary silos. The process emphasized active listening, inquiry, and shared knowledge creation. Effective transdisciplinary collaboration necessitates collective idea evolution, minimizing individual ownership in favor of shared outcomes. The experience also enhanced the student's ability to articulate her expertise and communicate effectively in an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural setting, both verbally and in writing. This learning approach cultivates tolerance for uncertainty and a strong trust in the developmental process. Work in such environments often follows a nonlinear, process-oriented trajectory, requiring adaptability and a psychologically safe atmosphere. Embracing moments of frustration and doubt while maintaining a forward-looking attitude is essential. Setbacks serve as valuable learning opportunities, contributing to overall professional and personal growth. </p><p dir="ltr">Conclusion: International and interdisciplinary collaboration in transdisciplinary applied learning broadens perspectives and fosters innovation for all participants. The adaptable and dynamic mindset of an occupational therapy student aligns well with such environments. Addressing complex global health challenges requires cross-cultural and transdisciplinary collaboration across professions, disciplines, fields, and generations. Transdisciplinary applied learning and co-creation are crucial for developing effective solutions to meet future healthcare needs.</p>