WORCESTER, MA – March 17, 2025 – Quinsigamond Community College's (QCC) Interactive Media Design (IMD) program recently hosted educators from Rijn IJssel, a secondary vocational school in Arnhem, Netherlands, to explore innovative approaches to media education and global workforce preparation.
Faculty members from Rijn Ijssel visited QCC to engage with faculty, administration and students, sharing insights into media design education and learning strategies. The exchange highlighted similarities in educational approaches and emerging trends in creative industries.
"Any time we can exchange ideas with our colleagues in any part of the world, it's a beautiful thing," said QCC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs Kathy Rentsch.
The visit included comprehensive discussions about curriculum development, particularly focusing on interactive media, emerging technologies, and the integration of online and in-person learning. Currently, Rijn IJssel only offers in-person courses so representatives from the school gathered information on QCC’s online programming, including support services tailored for online students.
"It was inspiring to see how QCC is an integral part of the community, caring for the well-being of its students,” said International Coordinator and Marketing Professor Roy den Hartog, "It is remarkable to see the passion and dedication with which QCC colleagues teach. The fact that many teachers were once students here speaks volumes about their appreciation for the program."
Both institutions noted significant shifts in media education, including transitions from traditional graphic design to more interactive formats like User Interface (UI)/User Experience (UX) design, animation and video production.
A distinctive feature of the exchange was the exploration of technological advancements, including human-centered design and artificial intelligence integration in creative processes. Rijn IJssel faculty learned about courses they might implement in the future, which QCC is already offering, such as user experience design and 3-D modeling.
“Even though Rijn IJssel is far away and a different culture, we found many similarities. Their faculty sat in on classes and critiques and our students really embraced them,” said QCC Professor of Interactive Media Mary Valentine.
"It is wonderful to see that despite differences in environment, language, and culture, we all strive for the same goal: providing the best possible education with the utmost attention to the students,” said den Hartog.
The collaboration will continue with Valentine and Adjunct Instructor of Interactive Media Emily Carroll planning a reciprocal visit to Rijn IJssel in April to further develop the academic partnership.
QCC's IMD program has a track record of student success, with graduates transferring to institutions including Savannah College of Art & Design, Clark University and Lesley University.
For more information about QCC's Interactive Media Design program, visit www.qcc.edu.