1 1: Co-Design — Let them co-design learning experiences

With the AGENT or CO-DESIGN principle, Gee describes how good video games for learning let players be co-designers of the experience. As you watch the video, think about ways to structure your course so your students can co-design their own learning experiences.

CO-DESIGN strategies in teaching

• Have students connect course concepts to:
  • places they live (homes, neighborhoods, etc.)
  • people they value (family, friends, peer groups, etc.)
  • affinities they have (hobbies, popular culture, skills, etc.)
• Have students research and develop those connections into tangible learning objects that they can share with their classmates and future students (this can also lighten your future teaching load).
• Use surveys to identify student feedback, and adjust course to address some of their wants and needs.
• Add a few strategies that might work in your course, and see others’ ideas here.

CO-DESIGN strategies in Canvas

• Require that students use a profile picture and biographical information, so you and other students can get to know them. This will result in discussions that are more personally-connected to their interests and skills.
• Give each student a Canvas page (wiki) where they can write about and develop their connection to the course topic. Even if they initially feel that there is no connection, by making this a weekly assignment, they will create a connection.
• Allow students to create their own groups, and give each group a page or module with which to create a learning object on a course concept or element.
• Add a few strategies that might work in your course, and see others’ ideas here.

Knowledge Check