Procedure

This task consists of two parts.

In the first part, participants divide into small groups of 2–4 people and work on the tasks at the four learning stations in any order they choose.

In the second part, the small groups come together in a plenary session and report to each other on their experiences and results from the station learning.

Overview of stations with learning objectives

• Most intuitive idea first:
• Participants draw a technical problem and have to write down the most intuitive idea that comes to mind. In doing so, they learn that simple ideas can often lead to a solution. They also have space to share their personal anecdotes about technical mishaps.
• Problem puzzle:
• Participants put a generic problem-solving model in the correct order and then apply it in practice. This gives them a generic but helpful approach to a (technical) problem.
• Strategy activity:
• Participants play Taboo by taking turns drawing strategies for solving technical problems and trying to describe them to the others. In the process, they are given frequently used classic approaches and explore their meaning through a playful approach.
• Where is the ESC button:
• Participants watch a well-known internet hit that humorously portrays the feeling of technical failure. Afterwards, they work together to compile a catalog of activities that help combat bad moods caused by technical problems.

Preparation

• Stations 1–4 are prepared by printing and laying out the working materials. A forum board must also be set up at each station, where participants can either answer the tasks at the station or ask further questions. This can be either a Metaplan wall or a flipchart. The name is based on the Internet forums frequently used to answer technical questions.

• In addition, the following individual preparations must be made for each station:
  • Station 1:
  • Training material 1 with a list of examples of technical problems must be printed out, the individual snippets cut out and placed in a lottery pot.
  • Station 2:
  • The problem puzzle (training material 2) should be printed as large as possible and cut into eight pieces. The corresponding number of pieces (1–8) should be written on the back of the puzzle pieces for checking after the puzzle has been completed.
  • The six technical problems listed below the problem puzzle should be written on the forum board.
  • Station 3:
  • Training material 3 with a list of strategies for solving technical problems must be printed out, and the individual strategy snippets cut out and collected in a lottery pot.
  • Station 4:
  • A kind of internet forum should be created on the forum board. At the beginning is Saime’s question (found in working material 4), and the participants write their answers below it.
  • Optionally, a mobile device can be set up here with the Angry German Kid video already open and ready to play.

Notes on moderation

• Station 3 is based on the party game Taboo or Activity. The rules are briefly outlined in work material 3, but it is still a good idea to clarify them for everyone beforehand.