EDTC 6432: Module 3 Clear/Unclear- “Imagine, Create, Play, Share, Reflect, then back to Imagine”
Module 3 looked at Instructional Design and how educators can implement technology to enhance instruction. One article included the idea of using the kindergarten approach to learning and how it can benefit students of all ages and grade levels. Especially when one adds technology to the mix!
Clear: The way the author breaks down the kindergarten model of: imagine, create, play, share, reflect and imagine is clear to me and it’s possible advantage with other grade levels. This would be especially true and useful with the implementation of technology and this approach in other grade level classes. Resnick states, “I believe that digital technologies, if properly designed and supported, can extend the kindergarten approach, so that learners of all ages can continue to learn in the kindergarten style – and, in the process, continue to develop as creative thinkers” (Resnick, p. 2). Self-discovery is an amazing instructional strategy for students to use within the classroom and since many of us have digital natives compromising our classrooms it would be great to observe students completing the kindergarten approach cycle using technology.
Unclear: Collaborative learning has been an on-going trend within classrooms and many students benefit from the use of working in cooperative pairs or groups on tasks and projects. Even in the article it states, “Business leaders and policy makers, noting that teamwork is more important in today’s workplace than ever before, have encouraged schools to put more emphasis on collaboration to help prepare students for their future jobs” (Resnick, p. 4). What’s unclear to me about this big push is how to go about effectively explaining this to children, especially those who don’t seem to be able to work with others successfully. We all have a few students who prefer to work independently and don’t play well with others and cause more problems being in small groups. Are these students going to be able to fair well in the job world? Will their opposition to working collaboratively effect their ability to be successful in the labor force?
