Transforming education through innovative design, immersive learning, and meaningful assessments

Dr. Tracy Russo, an assistant professor at Baker University and design consultant, specializes in meaningful assessments and curriculum design involving role-playing, simulations, and game-based learning. Her passion is creating transformative learning experiences that equip individuals and organizations to positively impact the world around them.

Who Dr. Russo Helps:

• Educational Organizations and Corporations: Creating immersive learning experiences that effectively translate theory into practical, real-world skills.

• Universities and Academic Institutions: Utilizing design and project management expertise to enhance institutional capacity and develop innovative, accredited programs.

• Instructional and Learning Experience Designers: Supporting practitioners in developing compelling instructional experiences through simulations and experiential learning

• Game Designers and Cultural Organizations: Connecting formal and informal learning through providing expertise in curriculum development and assessment.

How Dr. Russo Helps:

Dr. Russo takes an appreciative inquiry and systems thinking approach to develop a comprehensive understanding of her clients’ stated and unstated goals. With her unique background in design and project management, she employs a range of communication and visualization techniques to create innovative, tailored solutions that consistently deliver results.

Engagement Tools:

• Visioning & Imaginative Inquiry: Leading clients in learning experiences that encourage creative and critical thinking

• Process, Experience, & Empathy Mapping: Utilizing visual mapping tools with clients to discover areas for growth, improvement, and connections.

• LEAN, Agile, & Instructional Design Project Management: Leveraging technology and communication skills to manage cross-functional teams for successful project completion.

• Simulations & Role Playing: Designing immersive learning experiences that build empathy and understanding of different situations.

• Creative Toolkits: Encouraging innovative design, education, and business solutions through hands-on activities like paper prototyping, model-making, and more.

Key Clients & Collaborations:

• Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

• The AECT-NATO Design and Development Competition

• Wichita Public Schools

Notable Achievements:

Dr. Russo pioneered innovative educational programs including the arts-based NC and National A+ Schools Programs. She established online course quality standards at Northwestern Michigan College and Ferris State University. At Baker University, she created the Innovation iHub to reduce disparities between online and face-to-face graduate students through micro-internships.

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