Step 7 - Frame a Theme and Challenges
7.1 Introduction
A successful hackathon sparks creative energy and facilitates meaningful action. At the core of such an event are its theme and challenges. This chapter will delve into what a hackathon theme and challenges are, why we need them, their benefits and drawbacks, and how to frame them effectively.
7.2 Understanding Hackathon Themes and Challenges
7.2.1 What is a Hackathon Theme?
A hackathon theme is a defined problem space that sets the scope for the event. For instance, in a '#edufoodhack,' the theme would be food-related challenges such as food waste, protein transition, etc.
7.2.2 What is a Hackathon Challenge?
A hackathon challenge is a focused yet generative question that aligns with the theme. For example, within the '#edufoodhack' theme, challenges might include: 'How might we tackle food waste at school?' or 'How might we promote plant-based meat alternatives for the elderly population?' During a hackathon, challenges are often linked to a 'challenge holder,' a person who is deeply familiar with the problem at hand and actively seeking solutions.
7.3 The Importance of Themes and Challenges
7.3.1 Why Do We Need a Theme?
A theme is vital as it gives participants a common purpose and a reason to connect. Themes can be solution-focused, focusing on leveraging specific technology to solve societal challenges (e.g., a blockchain hackathon), or problem-focused, centering on tackling specific societal issues (e.g., an energy transition hackathon).
The choice between a solution-based or problem-based theme depends on the objectives of the hackathon. Most often, it aligns with potential curriculum integration. Both formats inspire students, steering them towards a specific challenge or technology and shaping their future careers.
7.3.2 Do We Need Challenges?
Challenges can spur action, especially for students who are new to the hackathon experience. However, encouraging students to frame their own challenges can be even more engaging. This approach fosters ownership, deepens learning, and raises engagement levels but requires more experience and time from students.
When facilitated properly, having students formulate their own challenges creates a more personal, engaging, and meaningful learning experience. But without adequate support, it could lead to overly broad and unmanageable research problems.
7.4 Framing Your Hackathon Theme and Challenges
7.4.1 How to Frame a Theme?
For a problem-centered hackathon, use the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for inspiration or focus on one of the major societal challenges that require transition.
For a solution-centred hackathon, consider the significant technology trends shaping the future or a specific technology related to the student's curriculum. Big trend maps can also provide valuable insight when scoping a hackathon theme.
7.4.2 How to Frame a Challenge?
One effective way of framing a challenge is by using the 'challenge framing canvas.' This tool guides you in structuring your challenge to align with your overall hackathon objectives and theme.
In summary, the theme and challenges of a hackathon are foundational elements that guide and stimulate participants' creative energy. By carefully framing your theme and challenges, you can ensure that your hackathon is an engaging, impactful, and transformative learning experience for your students.
7.5 Finding Challenge Owners
Finding challenge owners is crucial for a successful hackathon. Challenge owners are individuals who experience the challenge or are experts in the topic, either professionally or personally. They could be connected to companies, local governments, organizations, or could be individuals facing the challenge. Their role is to provide relevance to the solutions students develop and to offer constructive and critical feedback during Q&A sessions.
The Importance of Having a Challenge Owner:
Relevance: Challenge owners ensure that the challenges are relevant and impactful.
Expertise: They provide expert insights and guidance to participants.
Feedback: They offer critical feedback on the proposed solutions.
Support: They support participants during Q&A sessions and throughout the hackathon.
7.6 Let Students Frame the Challenge
Involving students in framing the challenges can give them more agency and engagement in the hackathon. This process can start before the actual hackathon begins, engaging students with the subject early and allowing them to self-direct their learning journey.
Tips for Student-led challenge framing:
Share the Theme: The organizing team shares the theme, grand challenge, or technology. The students can do the rest.
Use the Challenge Framing Canvas: Based on the grand challenge or technology of the hackathon, students can dump their curiosity, areas of interest, and questions on the challenge framing canvas. A good hackathon challenge starts from the students' own curiosity.
Teacher Coaching: Allow teachers to coach students in selecting a final challenge.
Identify Challenge Owners: If students are curious about a certain challenge, they can brainstorm potential challenge owners for their questions. Alternatively, they can gather challenges from challenge owners they admire, mapping interesting organizations or individuals and reaching out to them.
By following these steps, students can develop meaningful and engaging challenges, enhancing their hackathon experience and ensuring they are deeply invested in the outcomes.
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