There are ten principles that are discussed in chapter 3. I will discuss the three that I feel are most important for educational use. First, the Active, Critical Learning Principle can be used in all aspects of learning. It allows the student to be actively engaged and encourages critical learning, not passive learning. The student needs to feel that the lesson is interesting or he/she will not give it their best effort. Second, the Identity Principle lets the student take on the identity (interactively) of a character, and lets them make choices that will affect the outcome. There is an interactive program online called IMVU which allows a person to make a character the way they want it to look from many templates, and allows them to chat with others. This is a great way for students, especially those that are shy, to interact and converse about a topic freely. Third, the Discovery Principle allows learner the opportunity to experiment and discover things in their own way. This is a good way to let students learn about things that they may not otherwise have an interest in.
Simulations are very useful in learning. If I were to create a simulation for a class I think I would make one for chemistry. I would allow students to experiment by adding different elements from the periodic table together to see what they get. I would also let them do things like heat the elements to see what kind of reaction it may have on experiment. Interaction of this kind promotes a higher level thinking process and will allow them to truly understand the aspects of chemistry.
The use of interactive gaming can be a wonderful learning tool in the classroom if the designs of such programs are interesting and entertaining for the students. If the principles mentioned in chapter 3 are used, it can greatly encourage students to be more active in their own learning process and peak interests they may not have known they had.
Jonassen, D. Howland, J. Marra, R. M. Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning With Technology. Upper Saddle River, NJ. Merrill Prentice Hill.
Critical Learning Principle is one I chose also to talk about, found it to be a geat deal of importance. Also, I agree with what you said about students finding the assingment interesting they'll put forth more effort.
ReplyDeleteUsing interactive gaming as a learning tool would be very interesting to students of all ages. Great posy!
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