Empathy by design: four guiding principles for adult ed-tech development¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 1 study (1 theoretical), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The report names "empathy by design" as "a set of guiding principles for the development of adult educational technology products," "drawn from the large body of research and practice in the field of adult learning." Its four principles are that adult learners face multiple obstacles and barriers to learning; learn differently than traditional students; thrive in a supportive, mentor-rich environment; and are motivated to improve their situation. Each principle is paired with ed-tech examples (mobile-first delivery, competency-based education, personalized learning, blended learning, micro-credentials, accelerated learning bootcamps). The authors present it as a starting point for discussion, not an exhaustive framework.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Developers must put the adult learner at the center of the design process and explore adult learning theories rather than transposing K-12 tools directly

Constraints¶

• The authors state the framework "is not exhaustive. It is a starting point for a discussion"

Target Learners¶

• Adults over 16 not enrolled in school who lack a high school credential or strong literacy, numeracy or English language skills

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Basic literacy and numeracy
• English language acquisition
• High school equivalency
• Workforce readiness and occupational skills

Claims¶

• Adult Learner Barriers Situational And Internal [+M]
• Cohort Support Improves Adult Persistence [+M]
• Employer Relevant Training Improves Adult Outcomes [+M]

Related Theories¶

• The electric bike vision of human-centered educational technology
• Two-segment customer taxonomy for the adult learning ed-tech market: learning providers as primary segment, independent learners as secondary segment

Examples¶

• Design adult-learning ed-tech with short lessons, visualizations, mobile-first simplicity, and contextualized integrated content

Key Sources¶

• DeSchryver, David A., with Deirdre Dlugoleski. (2015). Accelerating Change: How education technology developers can jump-start a new adult education market. Digital Promise. https://digitalpromise.dspacedirect.org/items/29f39d7d-87f2-4e1e-920e-0c1ce86035cc