Student Spotlight: Andrew Filewich – Honours Researcher & Multimedia Learning Innovator

Andrew Filewich was an Honours student in the Faculty of Kinesiology whose work sat at the intersection of pedagogy, technology, and hands-on skill development. As part of Dr. John Holash’s MELT-supported research program, Andrew filmed KNES 375 lab activities and developed multimedia tools to support how students learn core physiological assessment techniques in KNES 375: Tests and Measurements in Kinesiology.

With a background in multimedia production and a keen eye for instructional design, Andrew spent the year developing a suite of high-quality demonstration videos and learning modules to support student practice. His work covered essential skills such as blood pressure and heart-rate assessment, mCAFT testing, and advanced anthropometric methods — including the Jackson-Pollock skinfold procedures. These resources, created through a combination of meticulous planning, careful filming, and iterative refinement, were designed to make technical content more accessible and engaging for undergraduate learners.

Andrew’s project extended beyond video creation. He played an integral role in shaping the course’s experiential learning structure — coordinating survey design, supporting ethical review processes, and aligning his multimedia tools with the course’s learning outcomes. His efforts directly supported the MELT grant’s mission to enhance active, applied learning across the kinesiology curriculum.

Balancing his research responsibilities alongside major personal milestones — including welcoming a new child during the project — Andrew brought impressive professionalism, adaptability, and dedication to his work. His honours research on multimedia-experiential learning examined how high-fidelity demonstration tools can impact student confidence, skill acquisition, and performance in applied kinesiology settings.

Andrew’s honours poster is available here: AFilewich_Thesis_Poster_Final.pptx. His work highlights the power of student-driven innovation and serves as a model for how digital media can transform experiential education in the health sciences.