Learner Challenge
Difficulty: 1 (rated by author; 1=easy <--> 5=difficult)
Views: 1756
Module: Technologist
The Define step is about narrowing in and identifying a problem, or in our case, a challenge, based on what you know and have discovered about your learner.
This is key to the design process as it is the focal point that you will use to build your solution. It is tempting to start BIG, but it is actually more productive and yields better results if you start with something small.
Make sure that the challenge that you have identified is clearly defined.
Using principles from d.school, a design thinking institute based out of Stanford University, a good learner challenge is one that:
- Provides focus and frames the challenge
- Inspires you and others around you
- Informs how you will evaluate subsequent ideas
- Captures the hearts and minds of your users
- Helps you focus on developing concepts and plans that meet the needs for most of the people that matter (in other words, you cannot design something that is 100% perfect for 100% of all involved!)
Hopefully you will be able to easily define your learner challenge once you have created an empathy map. If not, use the map to find patterns that point to an opportunity. If you are still coming up blank, challenge your assumptions. Ask yourself, “What if?” and “How might I?”
For example:
Currently, I ask students to write a short research paper, and this exercise receives lukewarm response. How might I reimagine this activity through the use of technology?
Or is there is a concept that students tend to have trouble with? Is there a topic or a problem that benefit from being accompanied by extra examples?
Once you define your challenge, write it down and put it front and center. You will be using this for the next steps of the design thinking process.
For this DEFINE activity share your learner challenge as a post to the collaborative Learner Challenge Bank padlet.
This can be done anonymously, without logging in. Sharing here may help other spark more ideas!
Take a screenshot of the area of the padlet with your post, then either edit the image to include a box or arrow to indicate which one is yours or embed it into a document and describe it. Save the image or document to upload as your response to this activity.
This activity is part of the Define your learner challenge section of the Technologist Module.
Example for "Learner Challenge":
https://bank.ecampusontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/learner-challenge-group-work.jpg

Ahmed Mukhlis
Students facing difficulties in completing the lab works using simulation, they need face – to – face class to collaborate with the teacher and real physical devices
Natalia Trubochkina
Here is my Learner Challenge Take 1 and Take 2:
https://stuconestogacon-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/ntrubochkina_conestogac_on_ca/EfnKo9XlmAxAswYAQXzQjgQBBnz2csTaKzvlc_jW5TFnrw?e=STa79Q
Tom Honey
With group work in class, or on-campus I am looking to understand how to set up groups in teams and use/train the students with a steep learning curve in the using software to complement the information being provided in the LMS. Teams will be pivotal in ensuring success for a large project, using the file-sharing feature, and presenting remotely as a team.