How do we apply lessons learned from research on do-it-yourself (DIY) media in conscious design of practical learning environments, from classrooms to after-school clubs to websites? From fanfiction writing to video game design, DIY media has provided rich opportunities for learning. Yet while individual sites or particular youth may stand out as success stories, applying principles learned from such research into our own designed educational settings remains a challenge. In this workshop we invite participants to join in productive conversation about “tensions” faced in connecting theory to practice in thinking through design principles for creating educational affinity spaces.
Associate Research Professor, Utah State University
Dr. Deborah A. Fields is a Temporary Assistant Professor in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences at Utah State University and an independent research consultant. Deborah researches children’s connective learning and identity engagement through designing with digital technologies... Read More →
affinity space research; online research methods; videogame and other digital literacies; writing; 21st century learning; adolescent literacies; English teacher preparation
