I often marvel at what technology can do for us. It has the potential to connect, simplify, empower and engage people from all walks of life. For education, technology has the potential to be a powerful tool that supports student growth. But technology isn’t a silver bullet. It cannot be the sole solution to deeply complex educational problems, like lack of learning opportunities for low-income, marginalized communities that are most in need of thoughtful innovation. The motivation to understand the ecosystem that supports successful technology integration, and to share these insights with aspiring change-makers, is what drives the design of this project.
‘Patterns & Pathways’ is an interactive database showcasing trends across instances of successful technology integration in underfunded learning environments. The goal is to help leaders, educators or innovators interact with data to visualize strategies that could work in their own contexts and environments. The database presents patterns across global educational innovations and includes filters and other customizations so that viewers may find personalized pathways relevant to their own educational work. Additionally, the database includes reflection spaces that allows viewers to grapple with vital questions surrounding the integration of technology in learning environments.
This project aims to be rooted in learning science principles, specifically how humans interact with data, process information, and make meaning through culturally relevant pedagogy (data). In this way, the project helps us understand that learning design is flexible and responsive – personalization is meaningful to the learner, and it is aspirational – hoping to inspire learners to use their insights from this data to lead change in their own contexts.
Explore the first version of this project here!
