Michael Nitsche
LMC 6213
Spring 2020

This course asks how selected educational theories can inform tangible media design to support informed action on environmental challenges. We will ask how to use such approaches to support creativity, engagement, and education on issues such as pollution, waste, and recycling. The goal is to combine physical computing and material design as applied educational technologies to educate and activate response to specific environmental challenges. We will focus on challenges on the Georgia Tech campus and problems we face every day as students or staff. The final project will ask students to design and prototype interventions that educate the campus community about those local challenges and possible solutions. Students are expected to read and discuss underlying theory, present related work in class, design and critique, prototype, and ultimately work in groups to iteratively design and implement final projects that answer to this challenge. This class might be interesting for students who are interested in applied educational approaches, physical computing, and material culture in an environmental context. The class will require some technical knowledge but will itself not present or introduce particular technologies. Expect to work with sensors and Arduinos as well as cloth, wood, or other materials. You do not have to be an expert but ready to learn independently and in groups. Teamwork and communication will be crucial.

Course Level
Partner Engagement