What are some examples of design thinking and innovation in the education sector?

Design thinking and innovation has helped to shape the education sector in different ways by ensuring the learning experience is not always bored down to traditional method but specifically to hit the learners priority and immediate goals. Curriculum designed to facilitate this has considered learning objectives and values of the learners for seamless and self-pace learning experience.

My team actually built a skills intelligence software for HR and L&D where we enable personalized learning path for each employee to go from current role to the future dream role. Based on the current and future role, we match them with learning content, certifications, jobs, projects, events, and mentors that are relevant for them. This is the future work and learning using design thinking.

This is so important. Are we really meeting the needs of the learner with the present curriculum. I have see Technology can really help us here. Did we ask the learner what they want and then map a career path for them.

In simpler terms, personalized learning means each student gets a unique educational experience tailored to their needs and interests. Imagine if your school lessons were like a custom-made suit, perfectly fitting you! Design thinking helps teachers come up with creative ways to make this happen, like using special computer programs where you can learn at your own speed and even pick what topics you want to study. It's like having a personalized learning roadmap just for you, making school more fun and effective!

Leveraging technology and data analytics, educators can tailor learning experiences to individual student needs and learning styles. This might involve adaptive learning platforms, personalized learning plans, and project-based learning that caters to diverse interests.

Moving beyond rote memorization, design thinking fosters collaborative learning environments. Online learning platforms and interactive tools can facilitate teamwork, peer-to-peer learning, and knowledge sharing.

I did a research to investigate the future of education and learning environment, and also went to work at a polytechnic school that optimizes collaboration with their students. The furniture design itself has a big impact how students learn. - Whiteboard paint that allows students to scribble with each other anywhere on the painted wall. - Modular chairs and tables that allows students to switch between solo and group learnings by re-arranging them. - AI + IoT that tracks students' level of attentiveness during class.

Collaborative learning is about harnessing the collective knowledge, perspectives, and experiences of students to enhance learning outcomes. Design thinking plays a crucial role in making this happen. Here are some ways to encourage collaboration: 1. Group Projects: Students work together like a mini startup, bringing unique skills to the table. 2. Peer Review Sessions: Improves work quality and teaches valuable feedback skills. 3. Role-Playing and Simulations: Promotes empathy and understanding through experiential learning. 4. Brainstorming Sessions: Sparks creativity and diverse solutions using design thinking methods. Often we see a group project turn into a winning business plan - thanks to collaboration. #DesignThinking

In my current role, I've collaborate on real-world problems set by enterprise and civic partners that use Design Thinking as a foundational framework. University students from Arts and Engineering to Marketing and Digital Media, come together, each brining their unique perspectives and skills. External organisations actively mentor and provide feedback. Students enhance their teamwork, resilience, and analytical skills, apply varied thinking approaches for ideation, and learn to develop and present solutions persuasively. This approach fosters authentic engagement, as students are genuinely invested in the issues they are challenged with :)

I use Flipped Classroom methodology as described above in the LLM course, along with continuous assessment. Students always say, at the end of the course, that while it is intensive, they learn much more than the traditional method of lecture and final exam. I definitely recommend it.

In the flipped classroom, students learn lessons at home through videos or online activities, freeing up class time for discussions and hands-on learning. Design thinking helps teachers plan how to best use this approach, like picking the right videos and designing fun activities for class. It's like having homework before class and group projects during class, making learning more engaging and interactive.

This innovative approach flips the traditional script. Students engage with pre-recorded lectures or readings independently, while classroom time focuses on interactive activities, discussions, and problem-solving exercises.

In today's world of education, flipped classrooms are necessary. The issue is, it's designed from the curriculum point of view. Not the students point of view. Designing the whole learning journey by understanding the leverage points where an Innovation is needed is crucial. Looking at moments that are High Value and Design it to increase the Value at specific moments will boost the learners experience.

There are different learning models that is innovative and has proven to work: - Reverse mentoring: Younger students teach older students something - Self-paced learning: Learn at your own pace, not at the pace of the curriculum. - Interest-based learning: Choose subjects that you like, not what is dictated. Imagine if all 3 learning models above are combined!

I have found that if we really listen to the learners we can see what would work. Some learners can be very competitive and games to earn points would work and then there are others who does not want tnis. It all boils down to empathize the first stage of design thinking.

Gamified learning makes education feel like playing a game. It's all about using game elements like challenges, rewards, and competition to make learning more fun and engaging. For instance, imagine a math app where you solve problems to earn points and unlock levels—it feels like playing, but you're actually learning. This approach uses design thinking to create cool ways for students to enjoy learning.

By incorporating game mechanics like points, badges, and leaderboards, gamified learning platforms make learning engaging and motivating. This can be particularly effective for younger students or when introducing new concepts.

I have found that in order for gamification to work effectively we must understand the users needs. Some persons are driven by getting that badge and winning so they would play the game but some are not. Again the first stage of design thinking which is empathy is so important in designing games that would work.

This is one of my favorite learning methodologies. Gamification in learning is a great leverage when applied correctly. To do so, we might need to draw a process Map and look at leverage points that can be gamified. If it's not done well, the learners will have learning fatigue.. Thus it's important to do a proper Field Research and identify where the Gamification can be adopted.

I have seen this work with global environment perfectly. I had thrown out a sustainability project and allowed students to write from their country perspectives. It really allowed students to express stories that resonate with them.

Inclusive learning means making sure everyone, no matter who they are, can learn and do well in school. Design thinking helps teachers create ways of teaching that include everyone, like making lessons that work for different types of learners. For instance, some schools use a method called universal design for learning (UDL), which helps teachers create lessons that can be easily understood and used by all students, no matter their abilities or differences.

Many schools in Singapore adopted ClassDojo, leveraging its features to foster a culture of inclusivity. Teachers utilized the app to share real-time updates on student progress with parents. There's a sense of transparency and trust among the teachers and parents. ClassDojo promoted inclusive learning by providing equitable access to information and feedback for all students and parents. App UX and multilingual support ensured language barriers did not hinder communication. Customizable features allowed teachers to tailor feedback and rewards to student needs and preferences. Additionally, teachers collaborated with students to co-create output, promoting a sense of ownership. This is good example of innovation in Education Industry.

Design thinking promotes the creation of inclusive learning environments that cater to students with diverse needs and abilities. This might involve the use of assistive technologies, differentiated instruction strategies, and flexible learning pathways.

Inclusive learning focuses on creating equitable educational environments that cater to diverse student needs, including those with disabilities, different cultural backgrounds, or learning styles. Tools like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) ensure that learning materials are accessible to everyone, offering multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. This approach may include technologies like text-to-speech software to accommodate different learners. By employing empathy and creativity in the design process, educators develop learning experiences that are flexible, adaptive, and responsive, ensuring that every student, regardless of their abilities or background, can participate fully and succeed academically.

I'm working with a couple of educational establishments atm, from early years to high school. We've taken the approach of not only using design thinking in support teachers with the design and delivery of curriculum topics, but also as a sort of 'choose your own adventure' experience for students within the classroom. Teachers are left with the skills to somewhat control the outcomes required for curriculum and education boards etc, but they are equipped with a range of outputs that can be applied depending on student age, understanding, neurodiversity, interests etc. It really enhances inclusivity in the classroom environment. Early results of testing are very positive.

When used with systems thinking, design thinking gives a holistic approach to education. Design enhances the student's and educator's experience and is not limited to the classroom. We need to take a look at the entire educational environment

It's high time for us to focus on the innovation of the education sector. I believe the scope is huge. If we were to break it down to various parts and scope it to bite size issues. We could slowly solve one issue at a time by using Design thinking approach towards Innovation.

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies offer immersive learning experiences that can bring abstract concepts to life. Imagine exploring historical sites in VR or conducting virtual science experiments in AR – these possibilities are revolutionizing how students learn and engage with the world.

Kiran Bir Sethi's Design for Change framework called FIDS (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share) encourages children to identify challenges, ideate solutions, take action, and share their stories. This design thinking approach empowers students to become problem-solvers and change-makers. Globally, DFC has reached millions of children across 60+ countries, fostering empathy, creativity, and leadership. The vision of Design for Change is to ensure, by design, that all children grow with the "I CAN" mindset - the belief that they are not helpless, change is possible and they can drive it. It has transformed educational experiences, promoting active citizenship and social impact in communities worldwide.