Empowering Alaska’s Community Health Aides: Join Our Hybrid Lab Journey

aimeewedemeier
Sep 13
2 min read

Imagine a learning space where cutting-edge technology and Alaska Native traditions converge to train the next generation of Community Health Aides (CHAs).

Why This Lab Matters

This $50,000 hybrid computer lab at the Anchorage Community Health Aide Training Center addresses critical skills gaps in digital fluency, clinical documentation, and telehealth. Designed for up to 30 adult learners from remote villages, the lab blends cultural relevance with universal design principles (Cueva et al., 2019).

Key Features

U-shaped HP All-in-One workstations for EHR practice
AR-enabled tablets and interactive smartboard for simulation
Adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs informed by anthropometric data (Saha et al., 2024)
Quiet zones for focused documentation and telehealth role-play
Multilingual signage and Alaska Native artwork to foster belonging

Anticipated Impact

By integrating flipped instruction, case-based learning, and AR overlays, we expect:

Improved digital literacy and documentation accuracy
Accelerated competency in telehealth procedures
Inclusive learning for diverse physical and cognitive abilities

How You Can Help

We’re seeking collaborators to:

Pilot low-bandwidth telehealth simulations
Co-design culturally responsive AR modules
Evaluate formative assessment strategies in rural contexts

Call to Action

Ready to shape health equity in Alaska? Call the CHA training center at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium or email me at aimee.wedemeier@gmail.com. Let’s pool our expertise to empower CHAs and strengthen community-grounded care across Alaska’s vast landscape.

References

Cueva, K., Cueva, M., & Revels, L. (2019). A framework for culturally relevant online learning: Lessons from Alaska’s Tribal Health Workers. Journal of Cancer Education, 34(4), 647–653. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-018-1350-8

Saha, A. K., Jahin, M. A., Rafiquzzaman, M., & Mridha, M. F. (2024). Ergonomic design of computer laboratory furniture: Mismatch analysis utilizing anthropometric data of university students. Heliyon, 10(14), e34063. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34063