The Design Learning Network offers learners of all ages the opportunity to embrace design as a “pedagogical” approach to teaching and learning best practices. With each year, we intentionally pace the development and implementation of the network's initiatives with sustainability in mind. Doris Wells-Papanek, MEd collaborates with educators, practitioners, and learners to design and research learning experiences. She has coached learners of all ages, authored multiple papers, and presented at national and international conferences. Doris is the founder and director of the Design Learning Network, which fosters the design learning process through individual members as well as international partners and organizations. Anchored in an action research, human-centered, and sustainable approach, the aim of the network’s efforts is to mindfully enhance educational experiences for all who are involved. Using a creative problem-solving approach, Wells-Papanek is accomplished at co-constructing shared visions, addressing complex challenges, and striving for positive impact. Doris is skilled at guiding cross-organizational collaborations, facilitating teams inspired by diverse perspectives, developing meaningful professional development, and creating continuous learning systems. Wells-Papanek is well-versed in action research, the co-construction process, high-impact learning strategies, formative feedback loops, criteria-based assessments, and performance evaluations. For more than twenty years, Doris worked for and collaborated with companies such as Xerox, Apple, Lotus, Hewlett-Packard, Siemens, Philips, and Intuit where she designed interfaces, managed creative groups, and led technical teams. Wells-Papanek holds a master's degree in curriculum and instruction design with a focus on action research from National Louis University and a bachelor’s degree in product and environmental design from the Kansas City Art Institute & School of Design. doris@designlearning.us doris.wells.papanek | skype www.designlearning.us As Director and Founder of the Design Learning Network, Doris links like-minded members and international partners with organizations such as the School of Art & Design at the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom, Council for British Teachers, Industrial Designers Society of America, National Art Education Association, Design Management Institute, Design-Ed Coalition, NEXT.cc, and Co-oproduct. The ultimate goal of the shared efforts between network partners and members is to create effective and sustainable design learning links between primary, secondary, and higher education students and teachers on a global scale. The overarching objective of the network is to create a wide cross-section of disciplines to engage in meaningful design learning experiences within a network of activities such as design learning challenges, workshops, and symposiums. Grounded in an action research approach, the aim of the network’s efforts is to mindfully enhance overall educational experiences for all educators and students involved. |