The course has been very useful in providing information on different learning environment concepts and the ways of implementing them in teaching practice. I have learned various theories that explain how students construct knowledge and what helps them to study more effectively. Another important thing that I have discovered through this course is the idea of the design-based research. It has given me an understanding of how different educational innovations may be designed, tested, and implemented in a classroom environment, which makes it easier to see whether the whole plan is going to be successful on each stage. Nothing, including topics, assignments, and projects from this course, is left unclear to me.
The most important concept that I have learned through this course is the learning environment and its elements. It may seem like practical activities that support formal studies are relatively the same regarding their structure, learning objectives and outcomes. In reality, I have learned that there are such environments as makerspaces and project-based learning, which are different in the core of their organization. Cognitive and social aspects of each learning environment help to determine the skills and knowledge that are essential for successful work in them. I have also discovered the idea of game-based learning, which appears to be a great tool to teach students many challenging subjects such as mathematics. Nowadays, computers are part of everyday life for most children, and many of them enjoy gaming as a way to spend their leisure time. I have learned that playing computer games for studying school subjects may be very effective for increasing motivation and achieving better learning outcomes. The course has also given me an understanding of what is the teacher’s role in such a technology-enhanced environment.
I would also like to note that it is a great idea to offer our reflection at the end of this course. It helps to pinpoint the objectives that have been learned and the skills that we have acquired over these weeks. I have really learned many new theories during this course and enjoyed the whole process very much. In the future, I plan to apply this information for designing my teaching methods, as well as use it for the rest of my career in the academic field.
Paraphrase
The gaming goal for students will be to build bridges and cross rivers that run between the mountains. The task can be done by solving problems that are based on applying concepts about fractions. There are two difficulty levels, and each of them must be passed. There are multiple-choice questions in the first level which offer students to pick a solution that helps in constructing a bridge for crossing a river. Once the first level is completed, students are transferred to the next stage which is more challenging. The whole gaming process will be supported with an appropriate scaffolding. Unless students master the game, the built-in support will be helping them to understand the instructions necessary for achieving goals.
The described environment is designed by using the constructivist approach. Students will have access to various tools that will help them to construct their own knowledge that can be applied to problem-solving. Moreover, this classroom design incorporates the learning theory of social constructivism, which emphasizes the concept of gaining knowledge through collaborative processes.