Educational technology research studies have found computer and software technologies to be underutilized in U.S. classrooms. In general, many teachers have had difficulty integrating computer and software technologies into learning activities and classroom curricula because specific technologies are ill-suited to their needs, or they lack the ability to make effective use of these technologies. In the development of commercial and business applications, participatory design approaches have been applied to facilitate the direct participation of users in system analysis and design. Among the benefits of participatory design include mutual learning between users and developers, envisionment of software products and their use contexts, empowerment of users in analysis and design, grounding of design in the practices of users, and growth of users as designers and champions of technology. In the context of educational technology development, these similar consequences of participatory design may lead to more appropriate and effective education systems as well as greater capacities by teachers to apply and integrate educational systems into their teaching and classroom practices. We present a case study of a participatory design project that took place over a period of two and one half years, and in which teachers and developers engaged in the participatory analysis and design of a collaborative science learning environment. A significant aspect of the project was the development methodology we followed - Progressive Design. Progressive Design evolved as an integration of methods for participatory design, ethnography, and scenario-based design. In this dissertation, we describe the Progressive Design approach, how it was used, and its specific impacts and effects on the development of educational systems and the social and cognitive growth of teachers. / Ph. D.

This thesis seeks to address emerging future questions by envisioning the future of educational architecture, considering the evolving dynamics between people, machines, and collaborative learning environments. While machines will play a significant role, human interaction, collaboration, and experimentation will remain indispensable for the exchange of ideas. As we look ahead, it is evident that students will require learning spaces that balance passive educational modes—such as lectures, seminars, research, and introspection—with hands-on exploration. These spaces will transcend traditional structures, embracing liminal zones that facilitate seamless transitions into professional or higher education spheres. In the dynamic landscape of 21st-century education, the convergence of technology, globalization, and evolving pedagogical paradigms presents both challenges and opportunities for educational institutions. This thesis endeavors to explore the transformative potential of high school architecture, centered around the concept of the liminal zone—a space that transcends conventional schooling. Our aim is to reconceptualize schools as vibrant hubs of innovation and intellectual exploration, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability essential for success in a complex and interconnected world. At the core of our design philosophy lies a commitment to flexibility and adaptability, evident in features such as the Pod concept and informal collaboration spaces, ensuring that educational environments remain responsive to the evolving needs of learners and the demands of the future. / Master of Architecture / This research aims to shape the future of educational architecture by envisioning how learning spaces can evolve in response to changing dynamics between people, technology, and collaborative environments. While technology will play a significant role in education, human interaction, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation will remain crucial for the exchange of ideas and knowledge. As we move forward, it is clear that students will need learning environments that balance traditional educational methods—like lectures, seminars, and research—with practical, hands-on exploration. These new spaces will go beyond conventional classrooms, creating zones that seamlessly transition students into professional or higher education settings. The rapidly changing landscape of 21st-century education, influenced by technology, globalization, and new teaching methods, offers both challenges and opportunities for schools. This thesis explores how high school architecture can be transformed to meet these needs. It introduces the concept of the "liminal zone," a space that bridges traditional schooling and the future, encouraging innovation and intellectual exploration. Our goal is to redesign schools as vibrant centers of learning, where students can develop the skills and adaptability needed for success in a complex, interconnected world. Key to our design are flexible and adaptable features, such as the "Pod" concept and informal collaboration areas, ensuring that educational spaces can evolve with the changing needs of students and the demands of the future.