Learning From Doing

Nicole Wang-Trexler,Martin K-C Yeh,Rebecca E Heiser,Andrea Gregg,Chenyang Zhu,William C Diehl,Ling Tran

doi:10.4018/ijwltt.20210701.oa3

Abstract

Software applications in educational technology have been a strong driving force for the success of online learning at all levels. These applications are created for various purposes and are used by a range of experts. The development of a successful educational technology software takes a deliberate team effort and thoughtful project management. This interpretive case study details the processes, successes, and challenges determined throughout the development of an educational web application, the Social Performance Optimization Tool (SPOT). In describing the evolution of SPOT, and the processes the heterogeneous team followed in the development of the web application, this study provides analysis and guidance to educational researchers who are interested in developing educational web applications in the future. The study described how authors mindfully adopted software design models, team management techniques, and communication tools. Additionally, the paper highlights practical and unique implications developers must account for when working in higher education contexts.

Highlights

The development of a successful educational technology software takes a deliberate team effort and thoughtful project management. This interpretive case study details the processes, successes, and challenges determined throughout the development of an educational web application, the Social Performance Optimization Tool (SPOT)
In describing the evolution of SPOT, and the processes the heterogeneous team followed in the development of the web application, this study provides analysis and guidance to educational researchers who are interested in developing educational web applications in the future
In describing the evolution of the Social Performance Optimization Tool (SPOT) web application, and the processes the team followed in the development of the web application, we aim to provide analysis and guidance to educational researchers who are interested in developing educational web applications in the future

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Rethinking learning in the digital age requires educators and educational technology developers to respond to the fundamentally connected learning environment, which has rapidly evolved over the past. Educational web applications created by such companies are more visually pleasing and institutive to interact with, yet they fail to address the fundamental problem of supporting the learning process in a social and digital context. Educators are well-equipped with the knowledge and expertise in learning within a socio-cultural setting, they sometimes fail to have the time and resources to develop compelling and sophisticated web applications on their own; and even if they do, the web applications are typically less user friendly The purpose of this interpretive case study is to share the processes, successes, and challenges determined throughout the development of an educational web application.

LITERATURE REVIEW

METHODOLOGY

Study Design

CONCLUSION