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Jenipher Cornelius
You can’t find a solution until you have a clear idea of what the problem is. Problems come in many different forms, but most community projects are complex and have invisible elements that become apparent as one begins the process of defining the scope of the situation. This course emphasizes the use of tools such as journey mapping, persona’s, testing tools, visualizations, ethnographic interviewing, thematic analysis, prototyping, stakeholder needfinding, and storytelling to understand the problem. The idea generation and testing phases are very important to the buy-in and successful nature of an application once implemented. Upon completion of this class, the learner will be able to walk through the process of problem definition and create a problem brief to share in a virtual network.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/d3y25t/defining
What's inside
Learning objectives
- How to create personas for the community
- How to design surveys
- How to devise interview questions
- How to develop journey maps for constituents
- How to apply and interpret thematic coding
- How to work to tailor interventions to the community
- How to create personas for the community
- How to design surveys
- How to devise interview questions
- How to develop journey maps for constituents
- How to apply and interpret thematic coding
- How to work to tailor interventions to the community
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Develops research methods that are core for work in ethnographic research
Provides a strong foundation for beginners in community projects
Useful for personal growth and development in community projects and as an active citizen
Covers unique perspectives and ideas on community projects that may add color to other topics and subjects
Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials, focusing on practical application
Taught by experienced instructors recognized for their work in community project scoping and research
Save this course
Save Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change with these
activities:
Review the principles of user experience design
Show steps
Reviewing the core principles of UX design will provide a foundation for the course's exploration of personas and user research.
Browse courses on
User Experience Design
Show steps
-
Recall your knowledge of user experience design
-
Review online resources or books on UX design
-
Attend a workshop or webinar on UX fundamentals
-
Read articles or blog posts about UX design best practices
-
Discuss UX design principles with peers or colleagues
Read 'The Lean Startup'
Show steps
This book introduces the concept of building a successful startup through iterative development and testing, which aligns with the course's focus on understanding and solving problems.
View
The Startup Way: How Modern Companies Use...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book
-
Reflect on the key concepts and principles
-
Discuss the book with peers or colleagues
-
Apply the lean startup principles to your project
Engage in peer group discussions
Show steps
Articulating concepts to peers helps solidify learning and understanding, and will be practiced in the course through discussions.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
-
Join or organize a study group
-
Prepare for discussions
-
Actively participate in discussions
-
Take notes and ask questions
-
Follow up with classmates
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Conduct user interviews
Show steps
Interviewing users to understand their problems allows you to apply persona development, one of the key skills taught in the course.
Browse courses on
Interviews
Show steps
-
Identify users to interview
-
Schedule interviews
-
Develop interview questions
-
Conduct interviews
-
Analyze interview data
Analyze real-world case studies
Show steps
Case study analysis provides a means to apply the concepts learned in the course to real-life scenarios.
Browse courses on
Case Study Analysis
Show steps
-
Identify a case study relevant to the course
-
Read or review the case study
-
Analyze the case study using course concepts
-
Identify key takeaways and lessons learned
-
Write up a summary of your analysis
Develop a stakeholder map for the project
Show steps
Creating a stakeholder map will strengthen understanding of the course's emphasis on understanding the needs of diverse stakeholders.
Browse courses on
Stakeholder Mapping
Show steps
-
Identify stakeholders for the project
-
Analyze stakeholder interests and needs
-
Map stakeholders based on their influence and impact
-
Develop a strategy for engaging stakeholders
-
Create a visual representation of the stakeholder map
Develop a journey map of the user's experience
Show steps
Developing journey maps is a key element of the course, and this activity provides a hands-on exercise to practice and solidify the concept.
Browse courses on
User Journey Mapping
Show steps
-
Identify the user and their goals
-
Create a timeline of the user's journey
-
Map the user's emotions and pain points
-
Identify opportunities for improvement
-
Create a visual representation of the journey map
Design a prototype to address the identified problem
Show steps
Prototyping is a crucial aspect of the course, and this activity provides an opportunity to apply the concepts learned to create a tangible solution.
Browse courses on
Prototyping
Show steps
-
Identify the problem to be addressed
-
Brainstorm and generate ideas
-
Create a low-fidelity prototype
-
Test the prototype with users
-
Refine and iterate the prototype based on feedback
Review the principles of user experience design
Show steps
Reviewing the core principles of UX design will provide a foundation for the course's exploration of personas and user research.
Browse courses on
User Experience Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Recall your knowledge of user experience design
- Review online resources or books on UX design
- Attend a workshop or webinar on UX fundamentals
- Read articles or blog posts about UX design best practices
- Discuss UX design principles with peers or colleagues
Read 'The Lean Startup'
Show steps
This book introduces the concept of building a successful startup through iterative development and testing, which aligns with the course's focus on understanding and solving problems.
View
The Startup Way: How Modern Companies Use...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book
- Reflect on the key concepts and principles
- Discuss the book with peers or colleagues
- Apply the lean startup principles to your project
Engage in peer group discussions
Show steps
Articulating concepts to peers helps solidify learning and understanding, and will be practiced in the course through discussions.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or organize a study group
- Prepare for discussions
- Actively participate in discussions
- Take notes and ask questions
- Follow up with classmates
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Conduct user interviews
Show steps
Interviewing users to understand their problems allows you to apply persona development, one of the key skills taught in the course.
Browse courses on
Interviews
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify users to interview
- Schedule interviews
- Develop interview questions
- Conduct interviews
- Analyze interview data
Analyze real-world case studies
Show steps
Case study analysis provides a means to apply the concepts learned in the course to real-life scenarios.
Browse courses on
Case Study Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a case study relevant to the course
- Read or review the case study
- Analyze the case study using course concepts
- Identify key takeaways and lessons learned
- Write up a summary of your analysis
Develop a stakeholder map for the project
Show steps
Creating a stakeholder map will strengthen understanding of the course's emphasis on understanding the needs of diverse stakeholders.
Browse courses on
Stakeholder Mapping
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify stakeholders for the project
- Analyze stakeholder interests and needs
- Map stakeholders based on their influence and impact
- Develop a strategy for engaging stakeholders
- Create a visual representation of the stakeholder map
Develop a journey map of the user's experience
Show steps
Developing journey maps is a key element of the course, and this activity provides a hands-on exercise to practice and solidify the concept.
Browse courses on
User Journey Mapping
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the user and their goals
- Create a timeline of the user's journey
- Map the user's emotions and pain points
- Identify opportunities for improvement
- Create a visual representation of the journey map
Design a prototype to address the identified problem
Show steps
Prototyping is a crucial aspect of the course, and this activity provides an opportunity to apply the concepts learned to create a tangible solution.
Browse courses on
Prototyping
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the problem to be addressed
- Brainstorm and generate ideas
- Create a low-fidelity prototype
- Test the prototype with users
- Refine and iterate the prototype based on feedback
Career center
Learners who complete Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Community Outreach Specialist
Community Outreach Specialist
A Community Outreach Specialist's main task is to understand the needs of a community, then create resources that can address those needs. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will help you to define what those needs are, and to create tangible solutions to solve them. This course can provide a solid foundation for those seeking or progressing in this role by providing tools such as journey mapping, persona's, ethnographic interviewing, and storytelling to understand the problem, as well as stakeholder needfinding to tailor interventions specifically to the community in question.
Grant Writer
Grant Writer
A Grant Writer helps nonprofits and other organizations secure funding for important projects. This often involves identifying and researching funding opportunities, as well as writing grant proposals. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with a deep understanding of how to define and scope projects, as well as how to identify the stakeholders and needs associated with them. This can be particularly useful if you are new to the process of grant writing, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
A Community Organizer works to bring people together to address social issues and make a positive change in their community. This often involves working with diverse groups of people, and facilitating discussions and problem-solving. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner develops and implements plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. This often involves working with community members, businesses, and government agencies to create plans that meet the needs of the community. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions. This can be particularly useful for those looking to enter the field of urban planning, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
Social Worker
Social Worker
A Social Worker helps people to cope with personal and social challenges, and to improve their quality of life. This often involves working with individuals, families, and groups to provide support and guidance. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions. This can be particularly useful for those looking to enter the field of social work, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Manager
A Nonprofit Program Manager plans, implements, and evaluates programs and services for nonprofit organizations. This often involves working with diverse groups of people, including staff, volunteers, clients, and donors. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions. This can be particularly useful for those looking to enter the field of nonprofit management, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policies, and makes recommendations for changes. This often involves working with government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions. This can be particularly useful for those looking to enter the field of public policy, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator
A Healthcare Administrator plans, organizes, and manages healthcare services. This often involves working with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions. This can be particularly useful for those looking to enter the field of healthcare administration, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager plans and executes marketing campaigns for businesses and organizations. This often involves working with a team of marketing professionals to develop and implement marketing strategies. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions. This can be particularly useful for those looking to enter the field of marketing, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
Product Manager
Product Manager
A Product Manager plans and executes the development and release of products. This often involves working with a team of engineers, designers, and marketing professionals to bring a product to market. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions. This can be particularly useful for those looking to enter the field of product management, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and systems, and makes recommendations for improvements. This often involves working with stakeholders to identify and define problems, and to develop and implement solutions. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions. This can be particularly useful for those looking to enter the field of business analysis, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
Project Manager
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans and executes projects, and ensures that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This often involves working with a team of project stakeholders to define the project scope, develop a project plan, and manage the project throughout its lifecycle. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions. This can be particularly useful for those looking to enter the field of project management, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
Consultant
Consultant
A Consultant provides expert advice to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics. This often involves working with clients to identify and solve problems, and to develop and implement solutions. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions. This can be particularly useful for those looking to enter the field of consulting, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses and organizations make better decisions. This often involves working with a team of data scientists and engineers to develop and implement data analysis solutions. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions. This can be particularly useful for those looking to enter the field of data analysis, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
Market Researcher
Market Researcher
A Market Researcher conducts research to understand the needs and wants of consumers. This often involves designing and conducting surveys, focus groups, and other research methods to collect data. The course *Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change* will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of a community, identify stakeholders, and develop and implement effective interventions. This can be particularly useful for those looking to enter the field of market research, or for those looking to advance their career in this field.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/d3y25t/defining
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change.
Save
Comprehensive resource for community development practitioners. It includes a wide range of tools and resources that can be used to plan, implement, and evaluate community development projects.
Save
Provides guidance for researchers on how to engage with communities in their research. It covers a range of topics, including community-based participatory research, community outreach, and community advisory boards.
Provides a practical guide to participatory action research, a collaborative approach to research that involves community members as equal partners. It offers step-by-step instructions on how to design, implement, and evaluate participatory action research projects.
Provides a critical introduction to community development. It explores the history, theory, and practice of community development, and it offers a critique of the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of community organizing and development. It covers a wide range of topics, including community organizing, community development, and community-based research.
Explores the power of community and how social networks can change our world. It provides evidence that communities with strong social networks are more resilient, healthier, and more prosperous.
Explores the decline of community in the United States. It argues that the decline of community is due to a number of factors, including the rise of individualism, the decline of social capital, and the increasing mobility of Americans.
Save
Explores the importance of third places, which are public places where people can gather and socialize. It argues that third places are essential for building community and creating a sense of belonging.
Explores the structure of belonging and how it creates community. It argues that community is based on relationships and that relationships are built on trust, respect, and reciprocity.
Provides a practical guide to building community from the inside out. It offers a range of tools and resources that can be used to identify and mobilize a community's assets.
Save
Explores the gift of community, namely how it is built and sustained. It argues that community is not something that can be created or controlled, but rather something that emerges when people come together and share their gifts.
Provides a comprehensive overview of community practice, including models, methods, and techniques. It valuable resource for community practitioners and students.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/d3y25t/defining
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Effort
5 to 10 hours per week for 7 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
Doane University
Instructor
Jenipher Cornelius
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Develops research methods that are core for work in ethnographic research
Provides a strong foundation for beginners in community projects
Useful for personal growth and development in community projects and as an active citizen
Covers unique perspectives and ideas on community projects that may add color to other topics and subjects
Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials, focusing on practical application
Taught by experienced instructors recognized for their work in community project scoping and research
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