Click the sub-heading links to be taken to the blog post.
I never knew there was ‘Education Edition’ of Minecraft to be used in the classroom. I agree with the disconnect though. I play my fair share of video games, but have never understood the appeal of Minecraft. I would need to teach myself how to play it and learn how it can be used to help children learn. It seems like a great idea considering a lot of children play it anyway.
I am fascinated by Bloxels since using them in the tutorial. I think it’s a great way to develop higher order thinking skills in children. I imagine both boys and girls become highly engaged in these tasks.The opportunities for creativity are endless.
I’ve used Ozobots with children in an Out of School Hours Care setting and the children absolutey loved them. You could use these for any stage, although the younger children would need assistance. Chances are there will be one child in the class who is already fascinated by robots and will want to tell you every little detail about them.
A very interesting read. I wrote about augmented reality as well. I’ve never thought of Snapchat filters as augmented reality, but I guess they are. I feel like the possibbilities of teaching abstract concepts are endless. It is certainly highly motivating for students. Well done.
This is awesome! I had no idea Lego Robotics even existed. I think if kids hear “Lego” they will be immediately more engaged. Unfortunately, the first video of the blog didn’t want to work for me.
Using Scratch to Differentiate Learning in a Classroom
Nicely written. Personally, I’m not a big fan of Scratch. I don’t see how children will obtain computational thinking skills. I feel like it’s just random play to get the character to move around. At least, that’s what I was doing in the tutorial. I do like the idea of using it to determine whether something is a chemical or compund.
Taking the Kids Out of the Classroom Without Taking Them Out of the Classroom With Dot and Dash
I feel like children will be more engaged with robotics if the robot has a bit of character to it. Dot and Dash definitely have this. It’s like they have their own personalities, just like BB8 from Star Wars. Also I feel like Dot and Dash are out of a kids animated film, so kids will resonate with them. I really like the idea of using robotics to teach mathematical concepts.
I think learning with a tangible object is so beneficial. I really like how you have outlined how Dash can be used in a school setting. It’s shame it costs so much compared to other educational robots.
Improved Engagement in the Classroom through Augmented Reality
I love how you have explicitly explained how augmented reality can be used to learn about the structures of cells and investigate the differences between a plant and animal cell. It can be very useful for visual learners by allowing them to interact with models on the screen.
Augmented Reality and ZapWorks
I really enjoyed how you have used the photos to illustrate the range of possibilities for augmented reality. It’s really cool how students can create their own augmented realuty experience with ZapWorks. I agree that you would use it with Stage 2 and on. Students could view each other’s work and obtain new ideas for themselves.
Using Virtual Reality to Experience Firsthand Discrimination
What a great insight Jorgen! Using virtual reality in this situation could really open the eyes for some people. I think it could be used in other confronting situations as well. It could be used to train policemen and policewomen to respond quickly to difficult situations.
I imagine you’d need to be extremely careful when using virtual reality with a child who has autism. Wearing the virtual reality mask can be quite confronting. I like how it’s a controlled environment, removing any confusing stimuli for the user. A very interestinging read. Well done Amanda.
The first time I used Scratch, I wasn’t much of a fan. Then I realised there is a whole online community forum where people can ‘remix’ each other’s work. I think that is really cool. Video games definitely help strategic reasoning, creativity, cooperation, and innovative thinking. Those skills are what makes someone better at a particular game. It would be challenging as a teacher to ensure students are doing the prescribed work and not doing something off task.
Gaming In Education, Should We Let Our Students Play Assassins Creed In The Classroom?
As I was reading this, I was thinking “But what about all the violence?” I had no idea there was an educational mode for teachers which eliminates this.
Games and Learning: Minecraft
I find it quite interesting how Minecraft wasn’t originally designed as an educational tool to incorporate technology into the classroom, but since it has become one anyway. Well done.
Constructionism through the Maker Movement
The Maker Movement has so much potential by being used across multiple key learning areas and using different forms of technology. A dedicated and enthusiastic teacher is a must. Makey Makey seems like such a cool educational tool to teach students to be creative with technology through an active hands-on approach.
Constructivism and the Maker Movement
I think a major benefit for Makerspaces is the opportunity to support students socially and emotionally by working in teams and building emotional resilience when their design doesn’t work. All the skills gained will be beneficial for later in life.
A Conversation: Digital Creativity and Learning 