Thought leadership
DAUS Director Explores Applied Technology Across Disciplines
Clinical Professor Yoo Kyung Chang co-authors articles on tech's recent impact on esports and dentistry

<p><span class="p-body">Divison of Applied Undergraduate Studies (DAUS) clinical professor Yoo Kyung Chang co-authored two recent articles, "Systematic Framework for Esports Training: Informing eSports Training with the Learning Sciences" and "Teaching Population Oral Health Management to Disseminate Knowledge on Best Educational Practices for Dental Trainees."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">In her esports study, Chang offers a framework that identifies and supports cognitive, metacognitive, social, academic, and professional competencies that esports can develop—when designed and implemented effectively. Using the Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics (MDA) framework, Chang and her fellow authors map game-based competencies and analyze current training programs to highlight best practices and opportunities. The result is a comprehensive guide for trainers, designers, researchers, and industry leaders seeking to transform esports training into a more intentional, evidence-based practice.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">The second study, highlighting dental trainees, focuses on the creative use of technology and storytelling to bridge abstract knowledge and practical application. The authors highlight that while US healthcare is rapidly shifting towards value-based and population-focused care, the Commission on Dental Accreditation has yet to incorporate similar requirements, leaving dental educators without analogous curricula. The method employed to address this gap was the development and implementation of a required first-year predoctoral Population Oral Health Management (POHM) Workshop at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. This workshop, initially in-person, was transformed into a web-based asynchronous course featuring recorded lectures, readings, interactive exercises, and text-response functions. The evaluation of the virtual POHM course, indicated that trainees expressed more optimism about changes in care delivery than care financing, showing particular skepticism towards value-based payments and outcome metrics.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Chang's published research underscores the NYU SPS value of aligning academic insight with real-world application. Whether it is equipping emerging industries like esports with the tools and strategies needed to foster talent, drive growth, or shaping the future of professional development.</span></p>
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