Using Design Thinking to Develop the Albizu Center for Digital Learning Innovation
General description of the project
Using Design Thinking to Develop the Albizu Center for Digital Learning Innovation
In 2023, Albizu University received funding from a U.S. Department of Education (USDE) FIPSE grant for the Albizu Digital Learning Infrastructure and IT Modernization Pilot Project. This initiative led to the creation of the Center for Digital Learning Innovation, which includes the Next Generation Digital Learning Environments Lab.
The Center for Digital Learning Innovation was envisioned as a hybrid space, both virtual and physical, that houses the Virtual Navigators, Instructional Design Coaches, the Next Generation Digital Learning Environments Lab, and the Puerto Rico Digital Learning Consortium. The first year of the grant focused on building the necessary infrastructure to deliver culturally sensitive training and support for both faculty and students. Additionally, it established a model for online course development, with a focus on leveraging Instructional Design Coaches. In the second year, design thinking principles were employed to shape the Center for Digital Learning Innovation, transforming it into a space that mirrors a traditional teaching and learning center but with an innovative approach. This presentation highlights how design thinking was used to develop a prototype grounded in a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Technologies
Blackboard
Ellucian
Microsoft Office 365
WordPress
Smartsheet
Explain project results
The project followed an iterative, user-centered approach that actively involved stakeholders in decision-making. This process included five sessions with faculty, staff, and leadership team members.
The model facilitated the identification of key elements such as assumptions, customer personas, value propositions, and tactics.
As a result, a prototype was developed that effectively addressed the needs of students, faculty, and institutional goals, embodying practical innovation.
The model is scalable, leading to cost-effective solutions that meet user needs.
The development process enabled the creation of a virtual space aligned with the HITS framework for centers of teaching and learning. At Albizu, the prototype reflects the hub, incubator, temple, and sieve roles for faculty.
Why it should be considered best practice?
The project showcases:
Active Stakeholder Involvement: By engaging faculty, staff, and leadership team members through multiple sessions, the process ensured that the solution met the actual needs and concerns of all key stakeholders. This collaboration helped build buy-in and reduced the risk of overlooking critical perspectives.
Iterative Process: Iterative development allowed for continuous feedback and improvements throughout the project lifecycle. This approach minimized the chance of delivering a product that did not meet user expectations or organizational goals. It also fostered flexibility, enabling the project to adapt to new insights or emerging challenges.
User-Centered Design: Focusing on the users (students, faculty, and other stakeholders) ensured that the solutions were practical and directly addressed their needs. This approach increased user satisfaction and adoption.
Identification of Key Elements: The process of identifying assumptions, customer personas, value propositions, and tactics helped to create a clear roadmap. This structured approach ensured that all critical aspects of the project wered considered, contributing to better outcomes and alignment with the grant and institution’s objectives.
Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness: The ability to scale the model and produce cost-effective solutions was a major advantage. It ensured that the solution could be expanded or adapted as needed, making it sustainable in the long term. Additionally, focusing on cost-efficiency allowed for resource optimization.
Alignment with Institutional Frameworks: The development of the virtual space based on the HITS framework (for centers of teaching and learning) ensured that the prototype was not only aligned with institutional goals but also provided a clear structure that resonates with the roles of faculty. This made the solution relevant and meaningful within the context of the institution’s mission.
In summary, this iterative, user-centered approach is a best practice because it leads to solutions that are relevant, scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable, while also fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
Highlights of your proposed presentation
Highlights:
– The project followed an iterative, user-centered approach, engaging stakeholders (faculty, staff, leadership) in multiple sessions.
– Key elements identified included assumptions, customer personas, value propositions, and tactics.
– A prototype was developed that effectively addressed the needs of faculty while meeting institutional goals.
– The approach was scalable, leading to cost-effective solutions.
– The project created a virtual space aligned with the HITS framework for teaching and learning centers.
Outcomes:
– The model facilitated practical innovation, ensuring that the solution met user needs while aligning with institutional objectives.
– The scalable nature of the model allows for adaptable and cost-efficient solutions.
– The prototype effectively reflected the needs of the faculty by creating a center for digital learning innovation as a hub, incubator, temple, and sieve.
The Evaluation Committee will evaluate submitted proposals based on the following criteria. Each area will be rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1= non-satisfactory; 5 =outstanding), for a maximum of 45 points.