Innovative learning design: Experiences from gadget workshops in business informatics classes

Abstract

[EN] The short paper introduces and discusses the concept of a workshop for students of the Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology study program at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, based on theoretical aspects of the experiential learning theory as well as Design Thinking. The goal of the workshop was to enhance the learning outcome of students of this practice-oriented study program. The paper proposes drivers of change for experience-oriented teaching methods as well as reflects on the experiential learning theory and design thinking approaches in education for our case, followed by an elaborate description of the conducted workshops and a discussion of the respective outcomes and experiences. The paper emphazises the observational insight, that learning from active experience as well as through creative tasks should help enhancing cognitive competencies through the application and further development of imparted topical knowledge. The presented gadget workshop aimed at increasing engagement and motivation in the respective class and, as a result of observations, enabled further research on student learning as well as course-relevant practical class activitites.