In today's workshop, we are exploring Design Briefs. The updated set is Investigate/Design, Produce, Analyse/Evaluate. Despite the common belief, ICT is not always about using computers. Technology design process, for example, is used in our schools everyday; however, it may not be reflected as such.
Jumping Frog Activity:
In today's workshop, we have been instructed to, in partners, design and create our own version of a jumping frog, using a given set of materials. We are given a piece of paper with a frog on it, a piece of cardboard, a rubber band, sticky tape and scissors. All materials must be used for our final product. No other instructions are given -> to promote creativity and freestyle thinking! My partner and I decided to implement a "spring-like" mechanism to allow the frog to jump. The following are some pictures of our final product.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
YES! Our final product works without a hitch! The only issue is that we could not find a better way of incorporating the rubber band to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Regardless, our process (from designing to evaluating) was a great experience and incorporating that in the classroom will be a fun experience for all!
An important aspect of any design/experiment/competition nature, is that failure is HEALTHY! 'Perspective' is very important and teaching students to learn how to see things from different perspectives could make a positive difference in their future.
Another important aspect for this project is the sharing part. Similar to students sharing their writing pieces, the gathering and sharing of different ideas promote healthy learning - learning together, from one another. The act of sharing ideas (whether they are successful or not) promotes cohesion and explores the notion that everyone is different; from how they think to how they learn.
Online Games
With the help of technology and the worldwide web, games in the classroom are no longer limited to what is available in the classrooms. There are countless fun and educational games that are accessible for every student, at every level. In this week's workshop, we are introduced to an online quiz website, where we are able to create and share our own quizzes.
www.quia.com\web
This is a great resource for students to create their own quizzes (applying their own knowledge) and challenge themselves with others' quizzes. This fun and interactive process not only caters to students of every level, but is especially effective for those who prefer to learn independently.
