Introduction
We are excited to announce the successful conclusion of the 8th cycle of the Knowledge Building Design Studio (KBDS) with the theme 'Sustainability.' This event took place on 16th and 17th October 2023, and it was a unique opportunity for students, teachers, and researchers to explore real-world sustainability challenges.
A total of 35 students from St Hilda’s Primary School, Fairfield Methodist Primary School and Pioneer Primary School came together to refine their knowledge and think about sustainability. Accompanying the students were their teachers, who were actively engaged in their professional development in the Knowledge Building Pedagogy while observing their students' knowledge advancement.
We were also privileged to have Dr Lydia Cao as one of our experts, whose contributions in EarthXDesign enabled the students to reevaluate their initial comprehension of sustainability issues. This conceptual framing served as the cornerstone for delving into the technical aspects of the Internet of Things (IoT), with valuable guidance from Dr Alwyn Lee.
Main Design of the KBDS
CAMPUS TOUR
In their respective groups, students were led on an eco-trail campus tour around NIE, enabling them to explore various sustainability features.
The campus tour included four specifically curated venues namely, the raingarden, a tutorial room, solar panel site, flume table room. Each location represented a feature adopted by NIE over the years of which some had also allowed the campus to clinch the GreenMark Platinum in 2012, 2017, 2022.
EXPERT SHARING EARTHXDESIGN – DR LYDIA CAO
To enhance the students' knowledge acquisition, we had the privilege of having Dr Lydia to share about her work on EarthXDesign via Zoom. Dr Lydia is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, with her research focusing on the convergence of innovative design, climate consciousness, and the potential of technology.
EXPERT SHARING INTERNET OF THINGS – DR ALWYN LEE
For this particular session, we took great pride in having the expertise and support of Dr Alwyn Lee. Dr Lee has over 12 years of experience in both industrial and educational research, with a specific focus on Artificial Intelligence in Education and knowledge building. During his segment, he introduced the Internet of Things (IoT), which refers to a network of interconnected devices and sensors designed for data sharing.
Small Group Sessions
Co-create A Journey of Thinking to Synthesise the Learning Progress
Student Presentations & Gallery Walk
In their groups, students created artefacts that highlighted their understanding of their design solution to the Sustainability issue that was selected.
Meta Talk
Guided by Dr Katherine Yuan and Dr Teo Chew Lee, students were asked some questions to reflect further on their ideas and knowledge building understanding with the community.
Moving Forward
In this edition of KBDS, students actively engaged in knowledge building. This highlights the potential of young minds to improve ideas and unleash their creativity in solving sustainability problems.
