I would like to introduce the concept of "Design Thinking" as an active learning concept that is gaining popularity in various fields, including education. Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves empathizing with users, defining problems, ideating potential solutions, prototyping, and testing. Design thinking is a collaborative and iterative process that emphasizes creativity, empathy, and innovation.

One example of design thinking in practice is the "Design Thinking for Educators" toolkit developed by IDEO, a design and innovation consultancy. This toolkit provides educators with a step-by-step guide for using design thinking to solve complex problems in education. The toolkit includes a variety of resources, including case studies, worksheets, and videos, to help educators learn and apply design thinking principles to their practice.

Another example is the "Design Thinking for Libraries" program developed by the Chicago Public Library. This program uses design thinking to help librarians develop innovative solutions to meet the changing needs of their communities. The program includes a series of workshops, online resources, and a community of practice for librarians to collaborate and share their experiences with design thinking.

Design thinking has the potential to transform education by providing educators with a structured and creative approach to problem-solving. By applying design thinking principles to their practice, educators can develop innovative solutions to complex problems and improve the learning experiences of their students. Moreover, design thinking is a collaborative and student-centered approach that empowers learners to take ownership of their learning and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, andcollaboration.

References:

1. IDEO Design Thinking for Educators Toolkit: https://www.ideo.com/toolkit/design-thinking-for-educators
2. Chicago Public Library Design Thinking for Libraries: https://www.chipublib.org/design-thinking-for-libraries/

I believe that design thinking is an important concept for the e-Learning Ecologies MOOC community to discuss as it has the potential to transform how we approach teaching and learning. By using design thinking principles, educators can develop innovative and effective solutions that are tailored to the needs of their learners. Moreover, design thinking is a collaborative and iterative process that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and innovation, which are essential skills for learners to develop in the 21st century.

As for the updates by other participants, I found the introduction of "Research-Based Learning" by another participant very interesting. Research-based learning is a student-centered approach that emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By engaging learners in authentic research activities, educators can help them develop essential skills and knowledge that are relevant to their future careers and personal lives. I also appreciated the discussion of "Makerspaces" and how they can provide learners with opportunities to engage in hands-on and creative learning activities. Lastly, I found the introduction of "Gamification" by another participant to be a key concept in the context of active learning. Gamification is an approach that uses game design principles to enhance learners' engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes.

Overall, Ithink it's important to continue exploring and discussing these different concepts in the context of active learning, as they all play a crucial role in shaping the future of education. As we move towards a more learner-centered and active approach to teaching and learning, it's essential that we explore and experiment with a variety of active knowledge making concepts to find the best fit for our learners and context.