Written by Nicholas Smith – Design Research Assistant for Transforming the Instructional Landscape
The COVID-19 pandemic greatly accelerated the integration of digital technology into instructional spaces, introducing discomfort and uncertainty into previously familiar terrain. Building on the healthcare concept of “patient-centred care,” this report proposes a model of “learner-centred design” as a means of contending with this discomfort in the implementation of new learning spaces. By putting users first, we hope to build learning spaces that empower instructors to experiment with new technology while meeting our users where they are—no matter if they are a technological expert or a complete novice.
In times of uncertainty, navigating an unfamiliar space can feel like an impossible task to achieve.Last March, we were in this very spot where we didn’t know what our work at the Innovation Hub would look like. But what we did know is thatwhatever it may be, it would be immensely valuable in these times.By embracing changewe’vebeenexploring new ways to support the UofT communityand ensuring we continue to drive our work by students for students through our design research projects. We’re so excited to share that by embracing change, new channels of our work have been inspired to connect individuals and build community in dynamic ways.
This year at the Innovation Hub we are excited to continue our work for students by students with our largest and most diverse team yet! Like many, we have adapted to the “new normal” by re-directing our team into a collaborative virtual space to help keep our momentum going through the coming year. Despite these uncertain times, our multidisciplinary team continues to mirror the diversity of the University of Toronto community and is expanding to support our growing number of projects.
Operations and Communications Team Julia Smeed – Manager, Innovation Projects Julia is a leader, innovator and “intrapreneur” who specializes in design thinking, collaboration and related methodologies that strive to design programs with students rather than for them. As the Leader of the Innovation Hub…
Written by Nicholas Smith – Design Research Assistant for Transforming the Instructional Landscape
As the UofT community continues to navigate the transition to online learning, maintaining bonds of trust amongst instructors, staff, and students has become increasingly important.
Students need to trust that the quality of their education is not being compromised and that the University can accommodate the diverse ways that COVID-19 has affected their lives. Similarly, instructors and AV technicians need to be confident that the University will support them with the many ways that their roles and daily working lives have changed.
This Summer at the Innovation Hub we have been so grateful for continuing our work by students, for students. We have had opportunities to continue to grow ongoing partnerships, while also engaging in new work and ideating projects. In a time where we are uncertain about many things, we want to offer our potential team members the opportunity to both contribute to the university and learn new skills.
Julia Smeed – Manager, Innovation Projects
We’re looking for dedicated students who are interested in improving campus life by focusing on student needs, who want to work with design thinking inspired methods, or are passionate about engaging with communities and want to support students in a variety of ways. Individuals considering applying to a role must have the ability to work remotely and engage in virtual project work and in collaborative online environment.
By Terri-Lynn Langdon, Lead Editor and Writer – in collaboration with Johanna Pokorny (Ethnography and Insights Team Lead) and Danielle Baillargeon (Data Analysis Team Lead)
Virtual Collaboration at the Innovation Hub, Summer 2020
At the Innovation Hub an intended focus of our research as a by and for student research Hub at U of T is empathy and the tapestry of it in the development of our questions, writing, and its role in research findings.
[1]The research process at the Innovation Hub includes design thinking supported by ethnographic research methodology, which seek to understand people in context. Where other qualitative methods (like survey work) operate through “extracting” data, ethnography is wholistic and expanding. The goal is not to be ‘statistically significant’ but rather to identify insights and themes from a few rich and unique stories.
How methods from Anthropology influence the Innovation Hub By Victoria Sheldon, Writer The Innovation Hub takes a student-centred approach to improving campus life. Since launching in 2016, we have provided campus partners with insights into the student experience: how students…
As we work and learn in these uncertain times of COVID-19, the Innovation Hub has been thinking deeply about our projects this summer, and how they can truly benefit the UofT community and beyond. We want to offer our potential team members the opportunity to both contribute to the university and learn new skills during these times. We’re looking for dedicated students who are interested in improving campus life by focusing on student needs, who want to work with design thinking inspired methods, and also have the ability to work remotely and engage in virtual project work in collaborative environments. We hope to put together a diverse team that enjoys the challenges of our work!
Please note that job postings go live April 30th, 2020.
The deadline for applying to positions is Monday, May 4th, 2020 at 11:59pm.
Read below for job descriptions, and go to the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network and search for the work study job board to find the positions and apply.
Operations and Communications Team Julia Smeed – Innovation Hub Projects Officer Julia is a leader, innovator and “intrapreneur” who specializes in design thinking, collaboration and related methodologies that strive to design programs with students rather than for them. As the Leader of the Innovation…
