Experiential Learning at Fanshawe College: Empowering Students to Drive Real-World Solutions

Photo © Courtesy of Fanshawe College

Experiential Learning at Fanshawe College: Empowering Students to Drive Real-World Solutions

At Fanshawe College, the emphasis on experiential learning provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. This hands-on approach not only enhances their educational experience but also makes a tangible impact on the community and industries they serve. From developing innovative marketing strategies for local businesses to creating interactive apps for museums and boosting awareness for non-profits, Fanshawe students are actively assisting organizations in overcoming their challenges and achieving their goals.

NEW MARKETING STRATEGIES PROPEL TRIMCO'S GROWTH

Since 1968, Trim-Gard has been a recognized manufacturing leader in the automotive mouldings industry. However, with a mature product line and a desire to venture into the industrial sector, the family-owned business needed a fresh marketing strategy to expand its market reach. Enter Trimco, their new division, which aimed to tap into the industrial market. To accomplish this, Trimco collaborated with Fanshawe College.

Trimco's challenge was clear: they needed a comprehensive strategy to reach new customers who were unaware of their offerings. Collaborating with a team of Fanshawe marketing students, Trimco identified key marketing issues and deficiencies in the sales process.

The students quickly realized the company's growth potential and proposed solutions that led to significant improvements. They updated the existing website, generating 249,000 impressions, which led to new inquiries and sales. A new sales pipeline and prospecting processes were also created, and the sales team was trained to execute the plan. Within seven months, 59 per cent of Trimco's deals were identified as new customers, and they achieved an 81 per cent sales conversion rate.

Keith Lawson, COO of Trimco, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "Any employer who has a challenge, whether it's marketing or not, working with Fanshawe students is just a phenomenal experience."

BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE WITH AUGMENTED REALITY

The Museum of Ontario Archaeology, devoted to studying and interpreting human occupation in Southwestern Ontario over the past 13,000 years, faced a unique challenge. Some artifacts were too delicate or difficult to access, limiting visitors' ability to appreciate them fully. The museum sought ways to modernize and leverage existing assets to enhance visitor engagement.

Fanshawe’s Interactive Media Development - 3D Visualization program provided an innovative solution. Students developed an app that uses augmented reality (AR) to bring artifacts to life. By scanning QR codes placed on museum signage, visitors can access detailed information and 3D images of the artifacts with the tap of a button.

Cadence Watson, a student in Fanshawe’s Interactive Media Development - 3D Visualization program, explained, "We focused on designing a user experience that has ease of access and portability. We used a minimalistic design that focuses the viewer on the artifacts and the educational elements."

This project not only provided valuable experiential learning for the students but also significantly enhanced the museum's ability to engage and educate visitors, showcasing the powerful impact of technology in preserving and presenting history.

BOOSTING AWARENESS FOR COLORECTAL CANCER CANADA

Colorectal Cancer Canada (CCC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing education, and supporting patients and caregivers to reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in Canada. However, as a small team with limited resources, they struggled to maximize their Google Ads Grant for nonprofits, leveraging only about 25 per cent of the available $10,000 monthly funds.

Fanshawe's marketing students rose to the challenge, tasked with increasing awareness of the importance of FIT tests, which could prevent most colorectal cancer deaths if administered regularly to individuals aged 50 and above. The students conducted thorough research, identifying over 6,000 relevant keywords and creating 18 compelling ads. As a result, website traffic grew by 200 per cent. In only one month, these ads appeared on 80,000 queries, which drove more than 6,500 visits to the website.

Carole Brohman, executive director of Colorectal Cancer Canada, praised the students' work: "As a not-for-profit with very limited resources, I got these bright young minds focused on what we’re doing and exploit and enhance our message to increase our visibility and awareness. I’m very thankful for that. That Fanshawe offers this program is delightful."

Additionally, recognizing the potential of TikTok as an untapped platform, the students secured a generous in-kind advertising donation from TikTok and crafted CCC's first 20-second clip. The campaign, with a call to action of "get screened," generated over 40,000 impressions across Canada, introducing CCC to a new form of digital advertising.

BRIDGING EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY

These success stories from Trimco, the Museum of Ontario Archaeology and Colorectal Cancer Canada illustrate the transformative power of experiential learning at Fanshawe College. By tackling real-world challenges, students gain invaluable hands-on experience while making a significant impact on the organizations they assist.

Fanshawe's commitment to bridging education and industry ensures that students are well-prepared for their future careers, driving innovation and growth in their respective fields.

To learn more about how Fanshawe College can help you achieve your career goals, visit fanshawec.ca