Determining the Problem

I sent my survey to 20 teachers and 30 students, and received 8 teacher and 2 student responses. The full responses to question 2-5 can be found by clicking this link (please note that names have been removed. The first question asked whether the respondent was a teacher or a student). Despite the small sample size, I think that I collected valuable information:

Problem: The learning commons needs more technology and support for its use.

Reframe: The learning commons’ popularity with teachers and students justifies additional investment in technology and resources.

In the survey, teachers identified the flexible space of the learning commons as an asset, but the need for more technology was evident from the responses. Teachers specified wishing for “better computers,” “1 laptop-1 student,” 3D printers, and arts/design supplies. One student responded wanted ipads, and the other wished the space was “less crowded.” This data shows that people value the learning commons, but want it to be able to provide more options for hands-on and technology-based learning.

Problem: Not all students are taking advantage of the learning commons’ resources.

Reframe: Students need additional exposure to the learning possibilities and opportunities available through the learning commons.

In the survey, the two students who replied identified “books” and “comic books” as their favourite things about the learning commons- this is natural and heartening, however it might indicate that students may be less aware of how the learning commons can also help them with learning in their classes. When paired with some of the teacher responses, such as “For Digital Design, we'd love to have student leaders be available, who have knowledge and an interest in our area of study be able to support our students when they're using the space” and “Providing lessons on how to maximize the usage of the tech. Better understanding the full capabilities of the tech available”- we can see that there is potential for students to learn more about how the available resources in the learning commons can help them learn better and represent their learning in more creative ways. 

Design challenge focus:

I think that these reframed problems can be addressed together- with more opportunities made available in the learning commons, there will also be more opportunities for students to learn about the benefits, which will grow. 

Design challenge statement: to improve the learning commons technology and creation station so that students will have access to a greater variety of technology and have a greater awareness of how to use this technology to improve and represent their learning in creative ways for our secondary school learning community. 

Design Brief – click for an overview of roles, teams, and processes

References:

PBL Consulting. "Design Brief Template." 2016. https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/bff196_4676408b084d4094b14e691ffc4e9320.pdf Accessed 24 April 2022.

Rendina, Diana. "How to Identify and Reframe Design Problems in Your Library Space." Knowledge Quest, American Association of School Librarians. 27 April 2016, https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/identify-reframe-design-problems-library-space/. Accessed 24 April 2022.