Reinventing School - Reiventing Class Challenge 2011

Part of the 2011 Reinventing School Challenge Background To find out more about the background to Reinventing School, read here. Participant benefits Participants will be challenged to solve authentic, real-world problems while learning and doing. During the challenge they will experience; • Design Thinking methodology and critical thinking • Branding, design and rapid prototyping • The magic of diversity in teams • Brainstorming and other idea generation techniques • Observing, interviewing and storytelling using notes, photography and video • Social media marketing and community building Please note: • Failure will be embraced • Playing, laughing, presenting, and goofing off will be encouraged at all times Challenge overview How might we design the classroom of the future? There are many different ways to think and use space. This challenge aims to bring creative thoughts to the process. A great starting point might be your favourite shop, studio or art gallery. What is it that you value about the way merchandise/exhibits are presented and how does it enhance/detract from your experience?Think of a space or display that has a really positive effect on you. Imagine a time you felt very comfortable and relaxed when you were learning or creating something. Don’t forget colour, shape, sound, smell, feelings, size, space….. Looking at your classroom from this point of view one can see that less can mean more and you will benefit from clarity of space and function. This helps them to “read“ the space and this is then a very good environment in which to learn. Goals • Design a classroom for students of elementary (primary) or high school • Design layout and classroom materials • Use recycled, sustainable materials • Make the space reconfigurable • Build in technology Team structure (teams of 4 are ideal) 1. Storyteller 2. Photographer/Videographer 3. Graphic designer/Illustrator 4. Cartographer Your challenge The challenge follows the Design Thinking process. All the materials you need can be found in The Kit and the supporting resources and tools. 1. Session 1 – Observation and interviewing 2. Session 2 – Need finding and defining problems 3. Session 3 – Brainstorming -4. Session 4 – Prototype and test 5. Session 5 – Report, present and share online Ideas Session 1. Use Skype, facebook or Twitter to connect and collaborate with students in other towns and countries. Interview students and ask them what their ideal classroom would look like. Step into the future 2030. Imagine interviewing students and ask them what their classrooms look like and what kind of jobs people are doing in 2030. Session 2. Ask students and teachers what they don't like about school and why? Discover the itch, the pain points. Session 3. Invite parents, siblings, relatives and other community leaders to brainstorm ideas Session 4. Use 3D design to build your dream classrooms/school or use digital storytelling to show the life students have and would like to have at school. Session 5. Use any kind of cool presentation format to share your stories, concepts and share online for everyone to see and learn from.Access opportunities • Weekly WizIQ webinar or individual Skype for Educators calls with teachers and students from all over the world. Ask your questions and observe. • Fellow students, teachers, architects, interior designers, furniture designers. Edmodo Visit edmodo.com and join our collaborative space • Facilitators (Teachers) Group Code: ph1iha • Students Group Code: 1ex6er Resources and tools >> The Kit Here are some great tools and resources. Most are free.Final presentation You can submit until October 3. 2011. Send you presentations via the website here • Present as video, photo story, slideshow presentation, comic, map, 3D, or whatever takes your fancy. • Highlight your empathy findings, share needs and insights • Show the synthesis of your ideas and prototypes • Present one solutions that your team tested with users • Use power point or video and upload the final presentation then send in your entry form • Finally submit your challenge outcome to reinventingschool.ideascale.com for the community to vote Take the challenge yourself with friends, students and family or you can simply log on to attend a free webinar each week to inspire you. You can Tweet or chat your ideas or questions in for our participants and experts to answer via mobile and web. Come join the Reinventing School Facebook group online here. Contribute to the discussion by commenting on this post, visiting the Facebook page or tweeting @ideasatplay2011, #ideasatplay2011 For more information conact Brendan here: BrendanOkeefe.com