Conceptual/Position Paper on Instructional/Learning Design

An image that shows three overlapping circles to demonstrate the characteristics that inform open learning design decisions. The three circles represent pedagogy, process and products.

Open Learning Design in Context: Expanding the Continuum

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Authors:  Verena Roberts, Thompson Rivers University Michelle Harrison, Thompson Rivers University Introduction As open-learning designers, we strive to integrate open educational practices (OEP) in all projects that we are invited to collaborate with. OEPs have been broadly defined and include multiple elements of teaching and learning, such as participatory and critical pedagogies, the use of open licensing and open technologies, the development and adoption of open educational resources (OER), and collaboration with and recognition of multiple voices and perspectives (Tietjen & Asino, 2021). The responsive, contextual, and personalized nature of each person’s open learning awareness and readiness makes open learning design a complex challenge in any learning environment. As Cronin (2018) highlights, “Openness is not a one-time decision, and it is not universally experienced; it is always complex, personal, contextual, and continually negotiated” (p.291). This points to a need to create a supported ethical journey to openness for learning design […]

Author's design of an FM battery less energy harvesting system - 75 hours of play between recharges.

Redesigning Computing for Openness—the Ethics of Consuming Devices

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Author: Brian Sutherland, University of Toronto Introduction Why does the logic of computing involve repeated purchase and consumption of “molded plastic epics” (Gabrys, 2011)? Thinking back on calculation devices and the ethical problem of repeated consumption, a simple solar calculator stands out for its durability. The reason may be sustainability design: early calculators, like more recent Citizen Eco-Drive watches utilize a solar energy harvesting strategy that doesn’t use batteries, consequently they are very low maintenance, long lasting, and tend to not wear out. As there are very few solar powered electronics devices in the market that reflect emerging green narratives of degrowth, reuse and upcycling, this exhibit discusses the history of these rare devices and reinterprets their energy experience design strategies toward modern consumer electronics, demonstrating new prototype devices that feature broad affordability, openness and more ethical consumption.  Questionable ethics? Casio rolls back sustainability in a calculator design. The newer, […]