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.

To Do:

  1. Define a learner challenge. Write it down and put it front and center. You will be using this for the next steps of the design thinking process.
  2. Add your 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!
  3. Take a screenshot of the area of the Padlet with your post.
  4. Edit the image to indicate which one is yours and insert it into a document. You can also add it to a Google doc and get a shareable link to it.
  5. Upload your saved image or add your shareable link with your explanation in your response to the Learner Challenge activity.
  6. After you make your submission, save the web address to your response (found in the green confirmation box) so you can use it later for your badge submission form.

This activity is part of the Define your learner challenge section of the Technologist Module.

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173 Responses for this Activity

  • screenshot of the area of the Padlet
    by David Schenk (@dschenk)

    I have attached a pdf with screen shot of my….  challenge as a post to the collaborative Learner Challenge Bank padlet. Take a screenshot of the area of the Padlet with your post. Edit the image to indicate which one is yours and insert it into a document. You can also add it to a Google doc more… »

  • Learner Challenge
    by Andrew Molas (@amolas)

    Please see the image for my learner challenge

  • Learner Challenge
    by Thuy-Anh Ngo (@angothuy)

    I am teaching a new course in research methods that is completely online. My challenge is how to leverage technologies to support learners in building a community among themselves to support their learning throughout the course and beyond.

  • Learner Challenge!!
    by Ridhima Bhatia (@Ridhima)

    Learner Challenge!!

  • LEARNER CHALLENGE
    by Cindy Cheung (@CCheung)

    Creating the Empathy map allowed me to narrow down specific challenges that the students face in my course. As an instructor, it is my goal for all students to reach a level of competence at the end of the course. My goal is not to make the learning a difficult and arduous journey, but a more… »

  • Learner Challenge
    by Heather Melo (@Heather)

    I recently had the opportunity to teach a Community Integration through Cooperative Education (CICE) course. I found that some students were unwilling to participate in class discussions. I did request feedback from students regarding other ways to engage. Smaller group discussions were helpful. I also noted that many students choose to participate in online gaming more… »

  • Learner Challenge
    by Valerie McQueen (@Vmcqueen)

    I liked this activity.  Padlet was a good tool, and I appreciated narrowing down the challenge as to what I really wanted to address with technology.   In my case, it’s getting through the awkward time while the students form teams at the beginning of the semester.  I want them to form great teams, but more… »

  • Learner Challenge Activity
    by Ana Maria Peric (@anamaria.peric)

    Learner Challenge Activity

  • Using technology to explore options
    by Lorinda Seward (@Lorinda)

    Again, I’m modifying this activity slightly as I’m not (yet) a teacher.  Building upon the empathy map activity, I identified the challenge as my son lacking the self confidence to even start exploring post-secondary options. Technology such as virtual tours and meetings will let him explore options without having to leave the house, which is more… »

  • Maximizing Technology
    by Joanna MacDougall (@Joanna MacDougall)

    This exercise has been really helpful. I identified the challenge my learners have in mastering the volume of the material in such a short period of time. They have access to free peer tutoring and rarely take advantage of this. One of the reasons is that it is always scheduled in the evenings in person more… »

    1 Resource for this Activity

    • LEARNER CHALLENGE
      shared by Cindy Cheung (@CCheung)

      Creating the Empathy map allowed me to narrow down specific challenges that the students face in my course. As an instructor, it is my goal for all students to reach a level of competence at the end of the course. My goal is not to make the learning a difficult and arduous journey, but a more… »

    Creative Commons License
    This work by Ontario Extend is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

    4 Responses to “Learner Challenge”

    1. 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

      Reply
    2. 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.

      Reply

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