Creating Cutting-Edge Learning Experiences : Collaborating on the Design and Development of a Professional Development Prototype

Abstract

These resources are a reflection of the completion of Phase 1 of a dynamic collaboration between a production company (Sandbox Inc.) and a postsecondary institution (York University). This work has taken a huge step towards actualizing a core goal of education, the mobilization of valuable knowledge assets around innovation practices. Over the past five years, York University has been working on a number of innovative course models looking to support student engagement and retention within technology-enhanced teaching and learning spaces.

Our faculty members are the key to designing, developing, and delivering these cutting-edge learning experiences and while there are many grassroots adopters of these concepts, there are still more who require access to additional evidence-based research in support of these new methods. This project seeks to support those early champions, while at the same time, provide the necessary content to spark an interest across faculties.

To achieve these goals, York’s in-house education strategist, Dr. Michelle Sengara, and a mission-driven digital media agency, Sandbox Inc., are collaborating on the creation a series of multimedia learning modules for instructors across Ontario covering six core topics that are emerging in the realm of educational innovation:

Evaluating Competencies in Courses Building Community in Different Learning Settings The Potential of Microcredentials to Upskill and/or Reskill Learners Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Yourself and in Your Students The HyFlex Learning Model Employing Compassionate Communication Strategies

We took an iterative approach to this initial design phase, beginning with a first module as a ‘prototype’ that would inform the rest of the modules and the resource as a whole.

Early discussions were rooted in trying to find the best format for the specific subject matter. However, other aspects affecting the project included the established project timeline, the financial scope, and the need to achieve certain production logistics in the midst of a global pandemic. It was crucial for both sides—the education strategist and digital media agency—to maintain open and frequent communication, especially at the outset of the project. Weekly calls and daily emails allowed us together to strive for our ‘pie-in-the-sky’ creative and educational ideas, while making sure we maintained realistic goals for our production processes.

York created original storyboards and modular outlines with subject matter experts. Sandbox filmed over 14 hours of video content for six modules. The team worked collaboratively to fine-tune filmed content into final video scripts for our first module and began the work of actualizing the visual wireframes and final UX.

This is only the beginning of what we plan to produce in collaboration and we look forward to providing eCampus member institutions with access to these finalized professional development modules through further funding opportunities.