PCF5: Learning To Design Technology Enhanced Learning For Rural Livelihoods & Development

Abstract
Purpose: This workshop will explore socio-technical approaches for designing learning

While there is considerable interest in the potential of new technologies to support international development and learning (e.g. www.olpc.org, http://www.bgdd.org) there is also a growing recognition that technological interventions are likely to fail when they do not fit the intended contexts of use or 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, educational content, context and culture. One solution is to involve target user communities in the design process. However, many learner-centred and participatory design methodologies are primarily grounded in Western cultures and aim to deliver to Western values. Such methods may not be globally appropriate. For example, exploratory approaches, such as low-fi prototyping and future workshops may be productive in cultures with low uncertainty avoidance indexes but can lead to tensions and misunderstandings elsewhere (Hofstede, Geert, 2001). Even within cultures huge differences between urban and rural contexts and lifestyles suggest that the most appropriate methods for involving learners in design will differ.

Outcomes: The workshop will promote the formation of a research community and generate and share ideas for culturally and contextually appropriate approaches to designing learning for improved livelihoods.

Organisation: In a 3 hour session we will provide an overview of related research drawing on recent workshops[1] within the technology design community and describe our own work as part of the VeSeL[2] project. Participants will then be asked to form small teams focussed on outlining appropriate approaches to designing learning for specific rural and development contexts drawn from their own experience. These ideas will be presented to the whole group for feedback.

References Hofstede, Geert. Culture's Consequences, Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Thousand Oaks CA: Sage Publications, 2001

[1] http://hct4d.blogspot.com, http://www.cc.gatech.edu/~mikeb/HCI4CID/index.html [2] http://www.veselproject.net

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Abstract
Purpose: This workshop will explore socio-technical approaches for designing learning.

While there is considerable interest in the potential of new technologies to support international development and learning (e.g. www.olpc.org, http://www.bgdd.org) there is also a growing recognition that technological interventions are likely to fail when they do not fit the intended contexts of use or 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, educational content, context and culture. One solution is to involve target user communities in the design process. However, many learner-centred and participatory design methodologies are primarily grounded in Western cultures and aim to deliver to Western values. Such methods may not be globally appropriate. For example, exploratory approaches, such as low-fi prototyping and future workshops may be productive in cultures with low uncertainty avoidance indexes but can lead to tensions and misunderstandings elsewhere (Hofstede, Geert, 2001). Even within cultures huge differences between urban and rural contexts and lifestyles suggest that the most appropriate methods for involving learners in design will differ.

Outcomes: The workshop will promote the formation of a research community and generate and share ideas for culturally and contextually appropriate approaches to designing learning for improved livelihoods.

Organisation: In a 3 hour session we will provide an overview of related research drawing on recent workshops[1] within the technology design community and describe our own work as part of the VeSeL[2] project. Participants will then be asked to form small teams focussed on outlining appropriate approaches to designing learning for specific rural and development contexts drawn from their own experience. These ideas will be presented to the whole group for feedback.

References Hofstede, Geert. Culture's Consequences, Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Thousand Oaks CA: Sage Publications, 2001

[1] http://hct4d.blogspot.com, http://www.cc.gatech.edu/~mikeb/ HCI4CID/index.html [2] http://www.veselproject.net

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Second heading goes here
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