Design in the Classroom with Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum from edX

Want to teach your students how to tackle difficult community problems using creative and novel solutions?

This education and teacher training course has been developed to train teachers to use design thinking in the classroom to find creative and innovative solutions to everyday community problems. It is based on Cooper Hewitt’s innovative classroom activity called Design in the Classroom as well as on our national workshop series, Smithsonian Design Institute.

In this pilot version of the course, you will define design and learn how it can be many things to many people. You will also learn the stages of the design process and work through each stage to create a design solution to a real-life community problem. Finally, you will take design into your own classroom by discussing how design thinking can be used to address required curriculum, evaluating existing design-based lesson plans, and creating a design-based lesson plan for your students.

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Emphasizes the application of design thinking to address community problems

Designed for educators seeking innovative teaching methods

Suitable for educators with varying levels of design thinking experience

Provides practical guidance on implementing design thinking in the classroom

Led by instructors from Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

May require additional resources or support for educators new to design thinking

Career center

Learners who complete Design in the Classroom with Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Museum Educator

Museum Educators plan and present educational programs that help visitors learn about and appreciate the museum's collection. They may develop and lead tours, give lectures, or create interactive activities for visitors of all ages. This course can help Museum Educators develop the skills they need to create engaging and effective educational programs. The course will help educators learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve problems, and how to develop creative and innovative solutions. This course can also help Museum Educators learn how to evaluate existing design-based lesson plans and create their own design-based lesson plans.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers plan, develop, and implement educational curricula for schools, colleges, and other organizations. They work with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure that curricula are aligned with educational standards and goals. This course can help Curriculum Developers develop the skills they need to create effective and engaging curricula. The course will help them learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve problems, and how to develop creative and innovative solutions. This course can also help Curriculum Developers learn how to evaluate existing design-based lesson plans and create their own design-based lesson plans.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers develop and deliver instructional materials and programs for a variety of audiences. They work with subject matter experts to create learning materials that are effective and engaging. This course could help Instructional Designers develop the skills they need to create effective learning experiences. The course will help them learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve problems, implement innovative solutions, and create user-friendly learning experiences.

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Learning Experience Designer

Learning Experience Designers create and develop learning experiences for a variety of audiences. They work with subject matter experts to create learning materials that are effective and engaging, often using technology to facilitate learning. This course could help Learning Experience Designers develop the skills they need to create engaging learning experiences. The course will help them learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve problems, implement innovative solutions, and create user-friendly learning experiences.

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Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants provide guidance and support to educational institutions and organizations. They work with schools, colleges, and other organizations to improve educational outcomes. This course could help Educational Consultants develop the skills they need to be effective in their roles. The course will help them learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve problems, implement innovative solutions, and address complex educational challenges.

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Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop education policies. They work with policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders to improve educational outcomes. This course could help Education Policy Analysts develop the skills they need to conduct effective research and analysis, and advocate for evidence-based policies.

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Education Researcher

Education Researchers conduct research to improve educational practices and outcomes. They work with educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to design and conduct research studies, and disseminate research findings. This course could help Education Researchers develop the skills they need to conduct rigorous research, analyze data, and communicate research findings.

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School Administrator

School Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of schools. They work with teachers, staff, students, and parents to create a positive and supportive learning environment. This course could help School Administrators develop the skills they need to effectively manage their schools. The course will help them learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve problems, implement innovative solutions, and create a positive school culture.

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Teacher

Teachers plan and deliver instruction to students in a variety of settings. They work with students to create a positive and supportive learning environment. This course could help Teachers develop the skills they need to be effective in their roles. The course will help them learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve problems, implement innovative solutions, and create engaging lesson plans.

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Education Program Manager

Education Program Managers plan and implement educational programs for a variety of audiences. They work with stakeholders to develop and deliver programs that meet the needs of learners. This course could help Education Program Managers develop the skills they need to be effective in their roles. The course will help them learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve problems, implement innovative solutions, and create engaging learning experiences.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. They work with staff, volunteers, and donors to achieve the organization's mission. This course could help Nonprofit Managers develop the skills they need to be effective in their roles. The course will help them learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve problems, implement innovative solutions, and create a positive organizational culture.

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Social Entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneurs use business principles to address social and environmental problems. They develop and implement innovative solutions to complex challenges. This course could help Social Entrepreneurs develop the skills they need to be successful. The course will help them learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve problems, implement innovative solutions, and create sustainable businesses.

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Interaction Designer

Interaction Designers create interactive experiences for a variety of products and services. They work with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to create user-centered experiences. This course could help Interaction Designers develop the skills they need to create engaging and effective interactive experiences. The course will help them learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve problems and implement innovative solutions.

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User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers create products and services that are easy to use and enjoyable to interact with. They work with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to create user-centered experiences. This course could help User Experience Designers develop the skills they need to create effective and engaging user experiences. The course will help them learn how to use design thinking to identify and solve problems and implement innovative solutions.

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Exhibition Designer

Exhibition Designers create and design exhibits for museums, galleries, and other public spaces. They work with curators, designers, and other stakeholders to create engaging and informative exhibits. This course could help Exhibition Designers develop the skills they need to create effective and engaging exhibits.

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