This article, written from the perspective of a Learning, Design, and Technology graduate student, details a five-step human-centered design process for classroom technology implementation or creation. The author believes this approach could ensure that technology makes learning more equitable, engaging, and relevant for learners of all ages and backgrounds. She asserts that a human-centered design process (where the designer sets aside what they wants to design, in service of what the users need) can bridge learning gaps and notes that when technology is not implemented with the learner’s needs in mind, it can even erode the process of learning. The author also shares some of the challenges in implementing this process.
This is a useful conversation starter around the issues of equity in Edtech and can be especially useful for those in technology development. It is also useful for school leaders as a litmus test to help determine if technologies being considered or currently used in their schools will have a deep impact on students’ learning.
Source Organization: EdSurge