Studies have repeatedly shown that university students don't engage in text-based
learning materials. Reading does not have the instant gratification social media does; however, we can't
overlook crucial skills it develops (e.g., criticality, creativity, and analytical). As a result, many
academics, including myself, have had to come to the uncomfortable realisation most students won't
read.
To solve this problem, I created a social reading tool called Arleno. The tool allows a
teacher, through social annotations, to turn static text-based content into dynamic collaborative
activities.
There is something satisfying about solving hard, often ill-defined, human-focused problems.
Supporting students in engaging in text-based materials, is one such problem.
Often, you can't
guess the solution to these problems; if you did, you could create something that does a poor job of solving the
problem - a waste of money! Instead, I like to take a design thinking approach. Design thinking is a
human-centred methodology whereby assumptions are tested iteratively with real world users. Such an approach
allows features to be validated at a low cost.
The design thinking process led to the creation of a tool called Arelno. The process allowed
a sophisticated digital product to be devloped through forming a feedback loop between the end-users and feature
development. Overall, the solution allowed text-based materials to be organised and annotated with collaborative
exercises that bring them to life.
We can have a quick chat, and see if we can work together
