In learning and education, techno-monitoring practices are a growing trend. While these practices are still emerging, there has been no public debate on education stakeholders’ preferred futures regarding techno-monitoring in learning and education. This study presents a participatory design case using speculative critical design to support higher education students’ reflection about possible futures related to techno-monitoring practices in learning in higher education. The participants’ experiences using a prototype that monitors mental states are presented in the form of stories, which reflect the students’ complex relations toward techno-monitoring. Participatory speculative critical design is highlighted as a successful strategy to create compelling futures scenarios that trigger critical reflection and debate among the education community.

Keywords: Speculative critical design, participatory design, education futures, ethnographic experiential futures