IBL Hub Innovation Based Learning

Innovation-Based Learning (IBL) prepares South Dakota Mines students for real-world challenges through hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to authentic problems and career-ready skills.

What Is Innovation-Based Learning?

 

Innovation-Based Learning (IBL) connects classroom learning with open-ended, real-world challenges. Students work on projects pitched by themselves, industry partners, or faculty, where the problem and solution are not prescribed, and there is room to explore, question assumptions, and develop creative approaches.
 
Alongside their project work, students build skills in areas such as problem framing, voice of the customer, teamwork, professionalism, intellectual property, and more. The goal is not necessarily to produce a finished product by the end of a semester, but to reduce uncertainty, learn through iteration, make evidence-based decisions, and identify opportunities for innovation and value creation.
 
Through this process, students strengthen their technical, professional, and problem-solving skills while gaining experience navigating the ambiguity and collaboration common in real-world innovation.

 

Choose Your IBL Path:

Innovation-Based Learning (IBL) engages students in open-ended, real-world projects pitched by students, industry, or faculty. Students learn to frame problems, understand stakeholder needs, work in teams, and develop innovative solutions.
Students

Gain practical experience, professional connections, and opportunities to apply what you learn.

Explore Student Opportunities

Industry Partners

Gain opportunities to work with emerging talent, collaborate with faculty, and bring new perspectives to organizational challenges.

Explore Industry Opportunities

Faculty

Use the IBL Hub as a resource to expand experiential learning opportunities for your students. Faculty can refer students to IBL courses and projects, connect us with challenges that would benefit from student exploration, or work with us to identify opportunities that complement existing degree pathways.

Partner with the IBL Hub

The Value of Innovation-Based Learning

Innovation-Based Learning creates meaningful connections between students, faculty, and industry. Through applied experiences and collaboration, IBL connects education to real-world challenges while creating value for everyone involved.

IBL gives students opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to authentic problems and experiences. Through projects, research, internships, and industry collaborations, students develop the skills and experience they need to succeed beyond graduation.

  • Real-World Experience — Apply classroom knowledge to meaningful projects and challenges.
  • Professional Skills — Develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and project skills.
  • Industry Connections — Build relationships with employers and professionals in their fields.
  • Career Readiness — Gain practical experience and explore potential career paths.

IBL gives industry partners opportunities to engage with South Dakota Mines students and faculty while bringing real-world challenges into the learning environment. Partners can collaborate on projects, connect with emerging talent, and contribute to developing the next generation of professionals.

  • Emerging Talent — Connect with students and potential future employees.
  • Fresh Perspectives — Gain new ideas and approaches to real-world challenges.
  • University Collaboration — Work with faculty and students on projects and areas of shared interest.
  • Talent Development — Help shape students' skills and experiences to better prepare them for the workforce.

IBL gives faculty opportunities to connect teaching and research with real-world challenges while engaging students in meaningful applied experiences. Faculty can collaborate with industry partners, incorporate current challenges into their teaching, and mentor students as they develop solutions.

  • Applied Teaching — Connect course concepts to real-world problems and applications.
  • Research Opportunities — Develop opportunities for collaboration, research, and innovation.
  • Industry Partnerships — Build relationships with organizations and professionals in relevant fields.
  • Student Mentorship — Guide students through meaningful projects and professional experiences.

 

Meet the IBL Team

Partner with the IBL Hub

Use the IBL Hub as a resource to expand experiential learning opportunities for your students. Faculty can refer students to IBL courses and projects, connect us with challenges that would benefit from student exploration, or work with us to identify opportunities that complement existing degree pathways.

Darcy Briggs 

Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Learning Innovation
darcy.briggs@sdsmt.edu
Phone: (605) 394-2219
Office: O'Harra 201
Headshot of Laura Brunmaier
Daniel Ewert 

Associate Vice President for Academic Innovation
daniel.ewert@sdsmt.edu
Phone: (605) 394-2750

Headshot of Laura Brunmaier
Laura Brunmaier 

Assistant Research Professor
laura.brunmaier@sdsmt.edu
Phone: (605) 394-2420

Headshot of Mitchell Sueker
Mitchell Sueker 

Assistant Research Professor
mitchell.sueker@sdsmt.edu
Phone: (605) 394-6134

Headshot of Sierra Sueker
Sierra Sueker 

Instructor
sierra.sueker@sdsmt.edu
Phone: (605) 394-6850

Questions About IBL?

Interested in learning more about Innovation-Based Learning at South Dakota Mines? Contact Dr. Daniel Ewert to learn more about IBL opportunities and partnerships.