I DESIGNED HYBRID LEARNING SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE ENGAGEMENT
OUR RESEARCH ON POST-COVID PRACTICES
The COF project recognized the profound impact of COVID-19 on education. It took an "outside-in" approach to examine the emerging opportunities for technology to improve the experiences and engagement of hybrid learning. Working with external thought leaders, we explored opportunities for a society of devices to support physical interactions in space to facilitate teaching and learning practices. The goal was to infuse insights into the design of Microsoft's future hardware, software, and services roadmap for educational and productivity products.
OPPORTUNITIES ALONG THE ARCS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
Since March 2020, the global concept of 'going to school' has undergone a profound and permanent transformation, with learning evolving in complexity. Educators and institutions have continuously adapted to ensure learning persists, incorporating screens, cameras, and remote cohorts. This shift revealed the need to enhance physical classrooms for Hybrid Learning. While current school designs prioritize collaborative physical spaces, mobile furniture accommodates dynamic academic content and student learning styles. The COF project began to design this new adaptable environment that could act as a 'third teacher,' providing educators with a versatile, easy-to-use stage for effective and engaging teaching.
DESIGNING THE STAGE FOR TEACHING
Modeling the elements of engagement from performance design, we worked with global educators, designed a prototype installation, and began collaborating with academic partners to pilot the experience.