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2.4.2 Evolution of prototypes

Rapid prototypes, in the form of digital artifacts, are the central elements in FRP that facilitate “boundary crossing” (Akkerman & Bakker, 2011) between CoI members during the process of the flow of rapid prototyping (FRP). They are meant to undergo modifications based on iterative feedback and collaboration among CoI members. A crucial element of the prototypes evolution is the review process by other CoI members with different expertise. In this context a prototype review is characterized by a specific agent, meaning it serves a different agenda. In the TransEET project prototypes reviews were done under the following agents:

  • Technological, refer to reviews that focus on technological/technical features of the prototype.
  • Pedagogical/didactical, refers to reviews that focus on modifications derived by different didactical approach or to different uses of the prototype during learning. Mathematical, refers to reviews that focused on the kind of mathematical content that is integrated in the prototype and the way it is representation 
  • Artistic, refers to reviews that focus on the ways arts and aisthetics are integrated in the prototype
  • Socio-cultural, refers to reviews that focus on socio-cultural elements of the prototypes

A prototype can be evolved in various ways within a CoI:

  • By the initial Designer: A prototype can be revised and improved by its initial designer based on received feedback. For example, a developer may enhance the user interface of an augmented reality learning tool by integrating new interaction features based on educator suggestions.
  • By a Different Designer: Another member of the CoI may take over an existing prototype, refine it, extend it based on different educational approaches or disciplinary expertise. For example a mathematician can modify an already existing prototype where students classify recyclable material to create a new one where students classify different angle representations.
  • Inspiration for New Prototypes: Existing prototypes often serve as inspiration for entirely new ones. A prototype designed for mathematics and music learning, for example, might lead to the creation of a new version that integrates movement-based learning elements.
  • Combination of Prototypes: Two or more prototypes may be merged to create a blended prototype with enhanced functionality. For example, a prototype of a game where students classify models of buildings can be combined with a prototype where students design 3D models of buildings.

Along with prototypes evolution, CoI members also evolve to actors of hybrid expertise through continuous exchange of ideas and knowledge within the CoI. Both prototypes’ and actors’ evolution can be traced through the documentation tools TransEET proposes (see section “how to track frp”). You can trace and analyse the prototypes evolution based on the Prototypes Description and review templates as well as the CoI FRP Description template, where prototypes’ evolution is related directly with the review agents. Accordingly you can trace the actors’ evolution in their profiles, their reviews and comments written on the prototype template or discussed in CoI meeting minutes.