Learning to Design Technology Enhanced Learning for Rural Livelihoods and Development

Abstract

PCF5 Sub-theme: Livelihoods // This session will interest all those who wish to learn about, share and explore contextually and culturally appropriate methods for designing effective technology enhanced learning. While there is considerable interest in the potential of new technologies to support learning for development there is a growing recognition that technological interventions fail when they do not fit the intended contexts of use or adequately address the needs and concerns of user communities. In designing culturally and contextually appropriate learning we need to consider the complex inter relationships between, technology, context, culture and educational objectives. Learner centered and participatory approaches attempt to address these issues by involving users in the design process. However, these approaches are primarily grounded in Western cultures and aim to deliver to Western values and may not be globally appropriate. // This workshop will explore methods for designing technology-enhanced learning appropriate to developing contexts. Principal objectives are: // • To increase understanding of the key challenges for user-centered and participatory approaches when working with rural communities in developing contexts. // • To build a community interested in sharing and developing appropriate culturally and contextually sensitive approaches to involving learners and other stakeholders in the design process. // We will provide an overview of user-centered and participatory methods for designing technology-enhanced learning. These will be illustrated through case study presentations drawing from our own and others’ current work with rural communities in Kenya and India. The second half of the session will be a hands-on opportunity to discuss, apply and explore the relevance of such methods to the specific situations of interest to workshop participants. Time will also be allocated for networking and to initiate the formation of an online community interested in learner centered design of technology for development. // Paper ID 448