On July 23, 2024, ASU hosted the Learning Design Summer Camp, a transformative event for 300 instructional designers focused on integrating empathy and other Principled Innovation (PI) values into instructional design. Recognizing empathy—the ability to imagine and understand how others might feel or think—as a cornerstone of effective collaboration, the camp empowered participants to enhance faculty support and enrich student learning experiences.
The day began with a welcome address by Provost Nancy Gonzales, who emphasized the importance of instructional designers in advancing educational innovation at ASU. Keynote sessions featured Catherine O’Donnell discussing the implementation of ASU’s new General Education requirements and a faculty panel led by Dan Gruber, with Meredith Toth, Susan Holechek, and Gregory Broberg sharing insights into collaborative course design. Kyle Bowen offered a comprehensive overview of Generative AI’s transformative role in education. Additionally, ASU units hosted diverse optional sessions, including workshops on creativity in learning design, global course design strategies, immersive learning experiences with VR/XR/AR technologies, and career development pathways for instructional designers.
A centerpiece of the camp was the interactive session, “Building Better Relationships with Principled Innovation,” led by renowned visual storyteller Sarah Spencer. Through creative exercises like Rivers of Life, Values Comic Strips, and the Listening Palette, participants explored how their experiences and values shape professional relationships. These activities encouraged designers to develop deeper empathy for faculty and students, fostering a greater understanding of their challenges and perspectives. Spencer reflected on the workshop’s success, noting how participants connected through creative expression to imagine solutions that reflect shared values. The camp also highlighted instructional designers’ critical role in bridging the gap between innovative tools like AI and meaningful learning experiences.
By incorporating PI principles such as empathy and reflection, designers learned how to navigate the complexities of course design in ways that prioritize inclusivity and collaboration. The Learning Design Summer Camp reaffirmed ASU’s commitment to building a culture of empathy-driven innovation, ensuring instructional designers are equipped to transform education. As these professionals lead with empathy and creativity, they continue to shape a more inclusive and impactful learning environment for ASU’s diverse student community.
