Sassy SchedulerA Student Motivation ToolMelissa FieldOsvaldo JimenezEllen Lenihan

Sassy SchedulerOur Teams Guiding PrinciplesTo create a tool which harnesses intrinsic rather than extrinsic motivationTo leverage existing software tools where available

PurposeTo provide a tool that motivates middle school students to complete their workTo design the tool to run on the new Nokia Mobile PhoneTo complete the design, user testing, and presentation in less than 36 person hours

User GroupsLevel One Target: Pre-teenager who is nervous about juggling her schedule and completing her schoolwork on time.

Level Two Target: Teacher or school administrator who is interested in tracking student progress outside the classroom.

Level Three Target: Parent who is interested in providing their child with a motivational tool, as well as gaining insight into completed work.

Introducing.Sassy Scheduler to the RescueSponge Bob says that after looking at her schedule, he thinks it would be a better idea if she does homework after school. She agrees and surprisingly finishes her homework early, and sends in her homework . Sponge Bob congratulates her and tells her she can take the rest of the night off. Sarah just got a new phone with the new Sassy Scheduler Software. She hasnt been doing so well in school, so she arranged a deal with her parents to use this to to help her reach her academic goal of improving her grades. Sarah uses the phone and really likes the use of her Sassy Scheduler, Sponge Bob Square Pants, looking out for her. Sarah carries her phone. One day after school, her friends ask her to hang out. Shes really conflicted and decides to check in with her Sponge Bob to see how much homework she has.She calls her friends and meets them out at the movies.

High Level FeaturesThe system tracks:And Allows Students To:Homework assignments and due datesQuizzes and testsPersonal schedule items, such as soccer gamesGradesCompletion of homework assignments, as updated by the student

Utilize the Sassy Scheduler as a place or person to keep track of everything they need to doFollow the Sassy Schedulers suggestions of ways to organize their timeUpdate their information via a computer and Internet connection; the Sassy Scheduler syncs much like a Palm PilotChoose their characterTeach the Sassy Scheduler about which suggestions were taken and which were notUtilize Sassy Scheduler to access rewards

Yes, I just got the new Nokia Phone! It has a camera! So now I guess I have to stick to the deal I made with my parents. Theyll buy the new Sassy Scheduler Software my school is promoting. I hope this helps me do better in school! How It Works..Open the box and turn on the phone. The Sassy Scheduler software is already installed.Open the Sassy Scheduler Program to set it up.You can pick a character in the program or take anyones photo to be your Sassy Scheduler. This time you want Sponge Bob Square Pants to be your Sassy Scheduler.Sassy SchedulerStart-Up

Awesome!!! Its PC and Palm compatible so I can sync all of my scheduling information into the phone. Even my teacher helps enter stuff.How it Works.You sync your personal schedule into your phone.You go to your schools website and link up to the database that will capture information about homework, grades, etc. and sync that into the phone.You upload your homework progress and goals. Now Sponge Bob knows everything about your schoolwork and schedule.You can key in the numbers to get more information on each item.Sassy SchedulerOne Stop Shop

Sponge Bob comes on and says:

How was practice? You just get done with soccer practice and you are driving home with your mom.

You turn on your phone.Sassy SchedulerWhat a Good Friend How it Works.Sponge Bob knows exactly what you are doing at all times because he has your schedule in his head.

Sponge Bob says: Looking at your schedule why dont you go home andstudy for an hourtake a break finish your math homework go to Nicks birthday party? You are very happy that Sponge Bob has helped you organize your day.You agree with his suggestions. Better yet, after an hour Sponge Bob reminds you to take a break!Sassy SchedulerBossing You Around How it Works.Sponge Bob knows exactly what you need to accomplish today because he knows all of your assignments.Over time, you can tell Sponge Bob how you do and do not like his suggestions, similar to the functionality offered by Tivo.

Its the next morning and you turn on your phone.Sponge Bob comes on and says: Wow great job you finished all of your goals for yesterday. Lets visit the class site to get updates from your teacher. You are also able to download the teachers study aides for upcoming quizzes. Sassy SchedulerThe Next MorningHow it Works.You have already told Sponge Bob that you completed yesterdays tasks by first updating them online and then by syncing them to the Sassy Scheduler.Alternatively, you can tell Bob directly via the phones keypad.The Sassy Scheduler reminds you to check in with the class website to get new downloads from the teacher, who has pre-programmed the device to know that updates come on Sunday mornings.

Its Monday morning and Sponge Bob is irritated. You never told him whether or not you finished your work.Sponge Bob demands an explanation so that he can keep track of your goals. Sassy SchedulerGonna find out whos naughty and niceHow it Works.Since Sponge Bob knows what is due for the day, and you never updated the system to reflected completed work, he is nervous.Sponge Bob reminds you to update the system or DO YOUR BOOK REPORT!!!!

Potential Extrinsic RewardsThe use of these rewards was not supported by user responses. Users suggested that the Sassy Scheduler him/herself was enough of a reward/motivation to study.

Potential Next StepsConduct more user testing and focus groupsBroad analysis of current scheduling toolsUser segmentationAnalyze economics of design and implementationenthusiastic levelClassroom levelSchool levelEtc.Research complementary productsScheduling softwareVoice recognitionEtc.

LimitationsSmall screen size makes design difficultDevice and software is cost prohibitive for individual and schoolTeacher adoption required for successful implementation; ideally teachers are helping to maintain the database of assignmentsSchool wide implementation will have the most benefits for students, but is the most difficultThe suggestive functionality handholds students through scheduling decisions, this could decrease learning of organization strategies

Other Potential Features and AdditionsVoice activated information update, menu selection, etc.Use of phone to DO homeworkIntegrate Sassy Scheduler with radio, TV, computer, telephoneBig BrotherPunishment vs. rewardsDecrease reliance on Sassy Schedulers recommendations over time

Sample User QuotesAndrea & Elise, Grade 7Boys dont write anything down, so this will be great for them.Thats really cool how it tracks everything.When you finish your work, you would want to be finished! I.e. the interview is stupid.IM is much more fun than homework. I.e. limit IM functionality on the phone.I have never used text messaging.100% of the class will never participate.

Russ, Grade 5Wow, that is really neat!

Emily & Marcella, Grade 8Love the Personal Assistant aspectWould definitely want to turn off Sponge Bob once in a while

Theoretical JustificationsIntrinsic Motivation (Lepper):Challenge - link between successful goal accomplishment and enhanced feelings of personal mastery, competence, self efficacy, or self-esteem. Control potential upgrade from Sassy Scheduler making suggestions to the child making their own suggestions and getting feedback.Fantasy personal assistant character.

Functional Triad (Fogg) Build program with all three:Tool (increases ability)Medium (provides experience)Social Actor (creates relationship)

* Lepper refers particularly to learning, but the Sassy Scheduler does not. However, in providing a program that will assist with academic goals the same theory can be applied.

Theoretical Justifications Continued Identity, Relationship. Self Enhancement (Marcus & Chen): Becoming knowledgeable about their owner (combined with above idea of social actor) extends ones personal capabilities.

Kairos Factor, Convenience Factor and Mobile Loyalty (Fogg): Offering suggestions at opportune times Interactive experiences that are just a click away. Serve the needs and wishes. Helps people to change behaviors in ways that they choose.

Enticement and Relationship (Khaslavsky&Shedroff) Get attention of user and make emotional promise Make progress with user with small fulfillments.

Summary Teens enthusiastic about a planner that is a social actor.

Rewards were found to be detracting rather than motivating.

The features of the program would be motivation enough.

Personalization of relationship key to success!

BACK-UP: Not meant for in class presentation

Michael age 16Pamela age 17Loved the idea of making your phone a personalized planner. A personalized character is your assistant. VERY INTERACTIVE!!! It would track everything: Tell you when assignments are due. Make recommendations about time management (when to take breaks, extra curricular activities, etc.) Be able to download information from teachers Can be used anywhere so can do practice quizzes, worksheets, study aides, etc. to do while driving in the car with parents or on the school bus. Can take photos of homework or sink to PC and send calendar along with completed assignments. Wireless email/IM to get in touch with friends, especially on group projects. Could make recommendations on educational games that are similar to the subject matter you are studying. Can sink to other websites that are helpful i.e. www.collegeboard.com They liked the idea of summarizing theyre learning and sharing it with other students. They wanted to ability like a palm to write in notes we could add the voice feature that would make this not an issue. They can talk all their changes in. They like the idea of having notes read to them. So they or teacher may sink notes and they can turn on the phone and have them read back to the student. Dictation like a tape recorder is good.

Initial Focus Groups with High School StudentsPage 1 of 2

Potential Rewards:

Download ringsDownload MusicDiscounted Rates for improving in school. Gives info i.e. the weather will be perfect tomorrow take the day off and enjoyThey felt punishments might turn students off. Overall comments:

7th and 8th graders are definitely using planners. Michael a junior got a PDA in 8th grade. He says most of the 7th and 8th graders in his school all have PDAs or personal paper planners. They use ones with weekly and monthly calendars. They use it for both personal and school stuff. They are motivated to do school work by Parental pressure, obligation, and to get into a good college.Parents believe them that they go homework. They know by grades, progress reports, conferences, etc.They also mentioned candy as a reward.If teachers made homework more interesting (i.e. take history story and make it a current TV show). They are interacting with friends while doing homework, Iming/ Talking on phone, etcThey would like to be able to email all homework. They have to type most of their homework. When doing Group projects cell phones and pagers are essential. They also use email and IM. They liked the idea of doing that all within one device.

Initial Focus Groups with High School StudentsPage 2 of 2

Ideation SessionsStoryboardingBrainstorming

Interpreting Feedback

Sponge Bob comes on and says: I think youve been doing great. How are you doing compared to the other students? You must be one of the best this week. How it WorksYou upload your information. The schools database tells you that you are in 2nd place in your class for achieving your academic goals!*ELIMINATED AFTER USER TESTING*Your Other Classmates