Name
Workshop: From Idea to Innovative Media: Designing Meaningful Change with Technology
Date & Time
Thursday, June 27, 2024, 10:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Matheus Cezarotto Barbara Chamberlin Pamela Martinez Amy Muise
Description

With technology-based learning activities, such as apps, games, animations, and interactive programs, Ag educators can shape content and deliver a meaningful educational experience to learners. Well-designed tools can support mental engagement, help learners build their understanding of the content, identify clear goals that lead to fulfillment, and connect learner experiences with the content problems. Educational media, such as games, VR experiences, and interactive laboratories, allow learners to explore, make mistakes, and experience things in a safe and scaffolded environment. The personalization of interactive media speaks to the importance of addressing each user's needs, abilities, and identities. However, these complex tools don't simply evolve from a great idea; they require design processes to ensure the desired transformation will take place. This workshop will guide participants through the Learning Games Lab design process. With hands-on and collaborative activities (e.g., guided group discussions, interactive design activities), an experienced team of developers and researchers will guide participants to identify their learning/teaching content problems/challenges related to agriculture, articulate learners' intended changes, design activities to foster that change, and finally document a media design plan. We encourage participants to bring one of their educational challenges to be used during the summit, as the workshop stands as a mini-summit, a process that our team goes through with content experts for each educational media we create. Participants will leave the workshop with a detailed plan to create innovative media (e.g., game, app, animations, VR experience) addressing agriculture content for secondary-level students. Additionally, participants will learn how research informs media development and can measure impact.

Session Type
Workshop