This course is designed to equip participants with a fundamental understanding and practical skills in Co-design methodologies, particularly in the context of the United Nations' Ocean Decade initiative. It aims to extend the reach of Co-design training to a global audience, enhancing the capacity of various ocean communities to effectively contribute to collaborative ocean research and policy-making.

Key Content:

1). Introduction to Co-Design and the Ocean Decade: Understanding the basic concepts of co-design and its significance in the Ocean Decade's framework.

2). Principles and Elements of Co-Design: Exploring the key elements and steps involved in co-design, including stakeholder identification and engagement strategies.

3). Vision Setting and Partnership Building: Learning how to set joint visions and establish effective, equitable partnerships in Co-design projects.

4). Stakeholder Involvement: Techniques for identifying, mapping, and engaging stakeholders in a Co-design process.

5). Equal Partnership and Collaboration: Insights into ensuring equal partnership and collaboration in Co-design initiatives.

6). Sustainability and Impact: Strategies for sustaining the impact of co-design projects, including funding avenues and impact pathways.

Learning outcomes

Understand Co-design Concepts (Understanding)

• Understand the key principles and elements of co-design.
• Explain the significance of co-design in the context of the Ocean Decade.

 Analyze the objectives and strategies outlined in the Ocean Decade's implementation plan (Analyzing)

• Evaluate how co-design principles can be integrated into Ocean Decade activities.

 Apply the learned co-design steps to develop a conceptual Decade Action Project idea (Applying).

• Apply the learned co-design steps to develop a conceptual Decade Action project idea.
• Design a basic framework for implementing co-design in a Decade Action Project.

 Develop Joint Vision and Objectives for Co-design Projects (Creating)

• Create a joint vision statement for a Decade Action Project.
• Formulate specific, measurable objectives and expected outcomes for the project.

Identify and Map Relevant Stakeholders (Analyzing)

• Identify potential stakeholders in a project using co-design principles.
• Construct a stakeholder map, highlighting their roles and importance in the project.

Formulate Stakeholder Engagement Strategies (Creating)

• Develop a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan tailored to a project idea.
• Propose strategies for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders

Design an Equal Partnership Plan (Creating)

• Construct a plan for ensuring equal partnership in a co-design project, incorporating inclusive practices.
• Critique and improve partnership strategies to enhance collaboration efficiency.

 Develop a Sustainability and Impact Monitoring Plan (Creating, Evaluating)

• Develop a sustainable plan for a co-design project, ensuring long-term viability and impact.
• Formulate methods for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the project over time

Course contents

Module 1: Basic Introduction to Co-design in the Context of the Ocean Decade

Module 2: The General Elements and Steps in Co-design

Module 3: What for, Where to: Joint Vision Setting

Module 4: With Whom and How: Stakeholders

Module 5: How Do We Work with Each Other: Partnership

Module 6: How Can We Create Longer Impacts: Sustainability

Target audience

a. Primary Audience: This course is ideally suited for individuals new to co-design, including early-career researchers, students, marine conservation practitioners, and community leaders involved in ocean-related activities.

b. Ocean Decade Participants: It's particularly beneficial for those participating in or interested in the Ocean Decade initiative, looking to integrate co-design principles into their projects.

c. Global Community Members: The course welcomes participants from diverse global ocean communities, aiming to enrich the Ocean Decade activities through inclusive and collaborative approaches.

d. Prerequisites

No Prior Knowledge Required: This course is designed for beginners; thus, no previous experience or knowledge in co-design or marine research is necessary.

Basic Understanding of Ocean Issues: While not mandatory, a basic awareness of ocean conservation, marine ecosystems, or environmental challenges can enhance the learning experience.

Enthusiasm for Co-design: A keen interest in participatory approaches and a willingness to engage in co-designing activities are essential for maximizing the benefits of this course.

Language

English

Instructors

• Annette Breckwoldt
• Alison Clausen
• Johanna Diwa-Acallar
• Sebastian Ferse
• Julian Lilkendey
• Carolin Müller
• Henry Wu
• Jialin Zhang 

Course duration and format

Approximately 3 hours per week depending on individual progress, 18 hours in total. 

Learner assessment 

• Reflective Assignments

Participants will complete reflective assignments at the end of each module (pure online forms). These could involve case studies, application of co-design principles to hypothetical scenarios, or reflections on the module content. These assignments encourage learners to integrate and apply what they've learned in practical, real-world contexts.

•  Short Quizzes

At the end of each module, a short quiz will assess the learner’s understanding of key concepts and information. Quizzes provide immediate feedback and reinforce learning, ensuring that foundational concepts are grasped before progressing. If participants do not pass the quiz on their first attempt, they have the opportunity to retake it. The quizzes are composed of random questions selected from a larger question pool, and multiple retake options are available.

Certificate

There will be a certificate issued. 

To successfully complete the course and be awarded a Certificate, the following is mandatory:

• complete all lessons in each Module of the course; and
• complete all quizzes (70% minimum score for each quiz, maximum 3 attempts for each quiz, 30-minutes time limit for each attempt)
• complete the course feedback survey

Technology requirements/computer skills

Device Compatibility

• Access to a computer, laptop, or tablet with reliable internet connectivity.
• Capability to stream video content, as the course includes recorded video sessions.

Internet Connection

• A stable and reasonably fast internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials, videos, and interactive platforms.

Basic Software

• web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari) for accessing the course platform and materials
• Basic software for document creation and reading, like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, for assignments and PDF reader for course readings.

Computer Skills Required

• Basic Computer Literacy
• General familiarity with operating a computer or a similar device.
• Ability to navigate the web, such as accessing websites and using search engines.

Using Online Learning Platforms

• Skills to log in, navigate, and interact with the course's online learning platform (e.g., Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard).

Communication Skills

• Basic email skills for communication with trainers or peers, if required.

Document Creation and Management

• Skills for creating, editing, and submitting documents and assignments.
• Ability to download, open, and read PDF files and other standard document formats.

Multimedia Interaction

• Basic skills to play, pause, and interact with online video content.
• Optionally, if there are interactive multimedia elements or assignments, the ability to engage with these tools would be beneficial.

Pre-requisites: no