EOR MODEL AND DESIGN FRAMEWORK

[Framework Home] [Phase 1] [Phase 2] [Phase 3]

1.1 Brainstorm Forms of Assistance

This is the broadest and least focused element in Phase 1 of the EoR Model and Design Framework. It aims to set the scene. It helps familiarise you with the research setting. It is the first step on an iterative process of data generation. It will usually involve collaboration with participants. A range of techniques may be applied to capturing or generating data which will help you to visualise or identify potential forms of assistance. A key emphasis to remember at this stage is the idea that these forms of assistance relate to the learner. The learner at this stage may be a generic or a specific learner. It is more likely to be the former than the latter in a majority of cases but in other cases, or later iterations, the focus may be a specific learner. Another way of thinking about forms of assistance is to think of them as available resources. Another key emphasis to bear in mind is that the aim of Phase 1 is to generate an EoR model for the learner. In this respect, step 1.1 represents the broadest scope of the model in relation to a particular design issue or design need. For a practical example of how step 1 can work in practice, see the Key Sample and other case studies below.

For more on this step, see p118-119 of Re-Designing Learning Contexts.

Summary

• you have a design problem or a concern which relates to a learner's learning need (potential or actual)
• you are exploring the learner's environment in order to identify potential forms of assistance (resources) to meet this need
• once identified, these will go towards framing an initial ZAA (Zone of Available Assistance) for the learner
• the resources at this stage are external to the learner (i.e. present in the learner's environment but not focused on the learner herself)
• the learner may be generic or specific 

Links to Case Studies:

The following links will take you to a varied range of study examples showing how this step of the EoR Model and Design Framework have been applied in practice.

001. Self-Managed Learning

002. Language Learning (Immersive Language Study in France)

003. Language Learning (miLexicon: Designing Support for Personal & Collaborative Learning Environments)