Software as Hypothesis: Research-Based Design Methodology

Software as Hypothesis: Research-Based Design Methodology Teemu Leinonen, Tarmo Toikkanen, Katrina Silfvast Media Lab, University of Art and Design Helsinki (TaiK)

Learning Environments Research Group

Media Lab, University of Art and Design Helsinki (TaiK), Finland.

Digital design.

Multidisciplinary: psychology, cognitive science, design, software, education.

We do “stuff”!

" Any true understanding is dialogic in nature. " - Mikhail Bakhtin " All higher [mental] functions originate as actual relations between human individuals. " - Lev Vygotsky " The best way to predict the future is to invent it. " - Alan Kay

1. Software (the stuff) 2. Dimensions of design 3. Research-based design process

The Stuff (software)

1998 - present: Future Learning Environment: FLE, Fle2, Fle3 , Fle5 -server software

2004 - present: MobilED - audio wiki for mobile phones

2003 - present: LeMill - Web community for authoring and sharing learning resources

Fle3

Fle3 Fle3 (http://fle3.uiah.fi) is a virtual learning environment designed to support progressive inquiry pedagogical method.

Fle3 1998

Fle3 2001

Fle3 Challenge : lack of student-centered knowledge building activities in schools. Hypothesis : computer supported collaborative learning tool could help teachers and students to change their pedagogical practices.

MobilED

MobilED MobilED (http://mobiled.org) is a mobile learning tool and service with audio wiki usable with entry level mobile phones .

MobilED

MobilED Challenge : lack of quality learning materials and creative way of using information and communication technologies in developing countries . Hypothesis : Audio wiki that is usable with widely available mobile phones could help people to set-up and maintain their own information systems.

LeMill

LeMill LeMill (http://lemill.net) is a web community for finding, authoring and sharing open educational resources .

LeMill

LeMill Challenge : European teachers do not share their learning materials and do not improve them in a collaborative way . Hypothesis : An online service with learning resources that can be edited and improved by others. Also tools for social networking and matching of interests among the participating teachers.

The contract intentions of design. Adapted from Nelson and Stolterman, 2003

Intentions of research-based design.

Contextual Inquiry

Participatory Design

Product Design