May 2021
The next generation of online teaching
A web app for online learning and education
Individual project I January 2021
My role: Research, concept development, UX design
INTRO
The ClassiT web app creates a virtual learning space for students and teachers. A classroom management platform and online lesson tools integrated into one app.
THE PROBLEM
In response to the Corona epidemic,
a dedicated distance learning product was urgently needed
During the Corona epidemic, many countries around the world switched to the model of distance learning due to the lockdown of educational institutions. This transition has caused education systems a tremendous need of digital tools and platforms that meet their various needs. Due to the extreme transition, a gap was created between the different needs of the users and the services that the existing applications offer. Most apps were not designed for teaching purposes - and so there was a decrease in the teaching quality and in the student achievement. Further more, much frustration was expressed by many teachers and students.
THE CHALLENGES
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Creating a platform that allows as broad response as possible to distance learning, of its various types.
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Transferring and upgrading the user experience of a students and teachers from real classroom to the digital world.
USER RESEARCH
The teachers and students point of view
As part of my user research, I interviewed ten high school teachers and ten students. All interviewees have been experimenting with distance learning for more than half a year and have used several different apps. In order to understand the needs of the users, I published a questionnaire to about 50 school teachers and 50 high school students.
Dina
English teacher
Because we use several different applications in the school, there is a lack of coordination between the professional teachers and the educators. For example I set a class that was overlapping with another class scheduled by different teacher by mistake.
Ron
High school student
The online class has a less personal feel, which makes me feel less engaged, present, and connected.
Hadas
Math teacher
It is difficult to create a good interaction with the students in video lessons. It is difficult to answer questions in chats... It is not clear when the question is for the teacher and when the students are talking to each other.
Are you satisfied with your distance learning app?
What bothers you about distance learning tools?
From a questionnaire of school teachers and high school students.
MARKET RESEARCH
What exists and what can be improved
In the market research I examined which are the leading applications in the market for cancer patients. What products does the target audience use, what can be learned from them and what should be improved.
The main apps in the field
PAIN POINTS
PAIN POINT #1
Since the apps isn't specifically designed for teachers and students, it isn't tailored to their specific needs.
PAIN POINT #2
The users need to use multiple apps at the same time
PAIN POINT #3
The apps doesn't encourage interpersonal communication
PAIN POINT #4
There is no integration between the different functions the user need.
CONCLUSIONS AND INSIGHTS
The system should include a variety of functions for distance learning. In order to provide a broad solution and allow integration between the various tools.
The design of the system should be especially tailored for teachers and students. In order to create a user experience similar to real-world classroom.
The system need to be easy and simple to use. In order to facilitate the user during a real-time lesson.
The system should include tools that encourage interactive and innovative teaching. By using technology and the benefits of the digital world.
THE SOLUTION
"ClassIT"- class app for online teaching
An app that combines multiple distance learning methods. Provides an interactive, efficient and enjoyable online learning experience that emphasizes interpersonal communication. Various digital tools are available in the application to assist teachers in delivering innovative lessons.
Target audience
Teachers aged 21-70
Students aged 10-70
The value
Improving and optimizing distance teaching and learning.
The goal
Even after Corona, educational institutions will adopt distance learning as an efficient, enjoyable, and effective method of teaching.
ARCHITECTURE
I designed the structure of the system according to the conclusions from the research, so that there will be integration between the various functions, allowing users quick access to all parts of the system - even during online lessons. The structure allows planning and management of the schedule, access to content and files used from all parts of the system. The structure enables effective management of online learning.
TEACHER SCREENS
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Teaching through video lessons.
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Teaching by using the system file uploads, projects, tasks, educational materials, etc.
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Mail system.
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Classroom management system: attendance list, grades, comments and personal enlightenments for each student.
TEACHER SCREENS
Home page
On the teacher's homepage he will have a quick access to his lessons and his students. He will have a quick access to the classroom management system, to his personal schedule integrated with the system and to his mailbox.
TEACHER SCREENS
Online lesson
The main classroom screen is inspired by the familiar real classroom and allows the teacher a variety of tools to produce an interactive lesson for the students. A "whiteboard" that allows you to transfer content in a variety of creative ways and create different activities. The teacher can drag files and media (presentations, pictures, videos) onto the board instead of sharing his screen.
TEACHER SCREENS
Questions and tasks tool
These tools allows the teacher to create an interactive questionnaire or task quickly and simply.
TEACHER SCREENS
Groups rooms manger
There is a convenient option for the teacher to divide the room into groups quickly. It is possible for the teacher to view and control what is happening in all the rooms simultaneously.
TEACHER SCREENS
Groups rooms, inside
The group room is designed to encourage teamwork and interpersonal communication. The "user circles" are arranged around a common "whiteboard". All participants can add elements and work on the board - a great tool for group assignments, discussion and brainstorming. The screen design is inspired by a brainstorming table.
TEACHER SCREENS
Class management
Screen structure of "master details" allows the teacher to move between classes and students quickly without switching between different screens. The teacher can see and add student data - grades, attendance, comments and insights. The teacher can use the files sharing system- for uploading collaborative content for online study.
STUDENT SCREENS
Student homepage
The student can clearly see his schedule and enter online lessons easily. He has access to the shared files and his personal data as part of his studies - grades, attendance, comments and enlightenments.
STUDENT SCREENS
Students online lesson
The system encourages interpersonal-teacher-student communication. During an online lesson the student can ask the teacher questions - the questions will appear with the teacher separately from the chat next to the student's square. The "whiteboard" tools allow students to actively participate in lessons and collaborate in groups.
