ECT needs to expand its learning environments 

Steinhardt’s Education Communication and Technology (ECT) program was experiencing growth and curricular change. Faculty and students wanted to see this change represented in their physical and virtual learning environments. A spring 2010 course offering was structured to generate the architecture and design for environments that would foster atelier learning. 

Engaging in participatory action research gives voice to all stakeholders

Using participatory approaches we engaged students, faculty, and industry partners in a collaborative design process. My team led five design groups in conducting needs analysis and developing concept documents, user narratives, wireframes, workflow, and prototypes. Theoretically rooted in studio-based learning, community psychology, and experiential learning, spaces where purposed to cultivate intergenerational and collaborative learning. 

Prototypes serve as foundation for massive future growth

By May 2010 we had developed the first wave of physical and virtual atelier environments. These prototypes served as a springboard for the Fall 2010 phase of development, which expands the ECT program to an entire building centered on media technology

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