Session 4 - Makey Makey & Scratch

Digital:

Here we looked at how collaboration, constructivism, and other learning theories can be applied to hands on learning through the use of makey-makey and scratch.  We ended up designing a scissor musical instrument (a pure curiosity).

Makey Makey and Scratch:

We feel that this task was best described as being collaborative in that there was:

• shared responsibility
• shared input of ideas
• interdependence
• we both had to produce sections of code physically rather than simply telling one person our ideas and they entered it

We felt it was possible to get to Level 5 in this task (if it was managed accordingly)

If we consider the ICT for Learning Rubric it fulfilled the following parts:

• ICT was required for construction
• a product was created but whether it was for authentic users is up for debate

Consequently it would be at Level 4

In terms of learning theory it was constructivist in that we were learners with no experience of both tools and required the services of the Knowledgeably Other to get things done. Once we were kick-started, we were able to progress largely unaided.

Constructionist was present as it demonstrated learning by making, rather than simply sitting and watching a demonstration.

Reference:

Top 10 Learning Theories for Digital and Collaborative Learning.  Retrieved from https://app.themindlab.com/media/19799/view on 8 August 2017.

ITL (2012)

This session also came with a consideration of a range of learning theories.  It was interesting to note that while many of these theories are quite old, they are still highly relevant and can be used to help explain why the integration of technology into the classroom can demonstrate these learning theories in action.  The theories are there because they work.  Technology and other learning skills simply "add on" to these theories.

Leadership:

This looked at the importance of Research Informed Teaching and how to be critical consumers of knowledge.  This was a way to introduce access to the University Library and tools for referencing, aggregating information etc.

Related Standards for the Teaching Profession

Design for learning

Select teaching approaches, resources, and learning and assessment activities based on a thorough knowledge of curriculum content, pedagogy, progressions in learning and the learners.

Learning-focused culture

Develop learning-focused relationships with learners, enabling them to be active participants in the process of learning, sharing ownership and responsibility for learning.