Assignment 3: Emotion Design Probe

Task: Improving learning experience in Lecture Theatres (LTs)

When we were asked to improve the learning experience in LTs, the first thought that came to our mind was, what is it that is lacking in facilitating learning in LTs? We had to bear in mind that it was the experience of learning in LTs rather than learning itself. As such, we decided to conduct a few laddering interviews to obtain an objective view on the opinions of learning experience in LTs.

Here is what we got from the interviews:

• There was mention of the lighting in LTs. Some lecturers like to dim the lights in order for students who sit far back to view the projector properly
• There were quite a number of students who agreed that LT sizes are too big for the capacity of the module
• In addition to the size of the LT, students cannot be heard when asked to respond to questions
• There is very little interaction in lectures. It is basically lecturing in general while students either copy notes or tend to chat amongst themselves. Chatting amongst themselves can be quite distracting for others who intend to listen
• Some lectures require attendance to be taken. It can be quite tedious taking attendance as attendance sheets have to either be passed around or placed at the front of the LT. Sometimes students miss the attendance sheet as there is no proper sequence to passing it around.
  
• Most students are shy to speak up in lectures, unless they are asked to do so. This adds on to the problem of little interaction.
  
• Identifying students can be quite a hassle for lecturers as they have to identify through physical attributes of the students

The above are just some of the main concerns identified through our interviews. Based on these and introspection, we have suggested the following solution:

An LCD screen, tiny keyboard, with attached mini microphone

LCD screen, keyboard

• for notes that are uploaded at the last minute
• those who are unable to print notes can use the ones on the LCD screen for reference
• able to take down notes and send it to respective emails through the school Intranet for future reference
• able to take attendance by keying in your matriculation number (also consider a sensor pad - to scan the matriculation card instead)
  

Mini microphone, with flashing light

• more audible when one speaks up in lecture
• encourage interaction. instead of identifying a student through physical attributes, lecturer can choose whose names to call through the above mentioned attendance taking method (this is assuming that the system designed has the ability to send the required information to the lecturer's monitor in real time). once student A is picked, the lecturer can simply click on student A's name on his/her monitor and student A's microphone will light up, signifying participation.
• in addition, students can simply press a button when they want to speak up. this will grab the lecturer's attention
  

The above are solutions to the major points that we have identified. To issues like lighting and size of LTs, we think that this is up to the discretion of lecturers and the administration. For example, a default lighting can be set or made required in all LTs.