Tent Talks Featuring Jenae Cohn

Here are the main points from the Tent Talks session with Jenae Cohn titled, “Design for Learning:”Design PhilosophyJenae emphasizes that learning should center on the needs, motivations, and concerns of the learners, not just content delivery. Variety in learning methods, social interactions, and alignment of goals with activities form the core of her philosophy to foster a more effective learning experience.Challenges in Online Learning DesignThe design of online learning must break away from the traditional linear approach, focusing instead on achieving the end goal through consultation and creative insights. Jenae also highlights the multitasking required in online design and the limitations of available tools, offering practical solutions to overcome these obstacles.Feedback and Assessment in Online LearningJenae argues for the importance of formative feedback through informal progress updates, quizzes, and reflective exercises. She also stresses the need for summative feedback that emphasizes skill demonstration over mere memorization, providing space for safe failure.Concepts and Strategies in Design for Online EducationWith a strong emphasis on creativity, Jenae expresses disappointment at the lack of imagination in online courses. She advocates better use of existing technology and social platforms like Discord to create engaging learning communities. While recognizing the potential of AI, she remains skeptical about its ability to replace human connection in learning.Designing for Shrinking Attention SpansJenae encourages educators to critically analyze distraction and cultivate attention by demonstrating relevance to learners. Transparency in setting expectations, acknowledging neurodiversity, and striking a balance with natural distraction all play a part in her approach to keep learners engaged without competing directly with social media.Key InsightsJenae's insights underline a shift away from pursuing new technology towards creatively using existing tools to enhance online learning. By connecting personally with learners and setting clear, relevant goals, she presents a vision for a more engaged, effective online learning environment.Thoughtful Quotes“I just think the future of these ideas has to really just tie back to who are the people on the other side of these experiences and how do you better help them connect to each other?”“Knowing that occasionally people will drift to Instagram in the middle of something, maybe that's okay. People have doodled for all time... Our capacity to distract ourselves is balance. And that sometimes is part of the process too, is just being okay with a little bit of balance.”