Evaluation: Diploma in Technology-Enhanced Learning 2011-2013
Unit 7: Learning through Exploration (Gaming). Gender: Male Teaching Track: Primary Female Secondary Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements by ticking ONE answer for each statement. (5 Strongly Agree – 1 Strongly Disagree) Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Unit Content/Method 1. The information provided was relevant to my needs 1 2 3 4 5 2. Unit had clear aims and learning objectives 1 2 3 4 5 3. The tutors were knowledgeable and competent 1 2 3 4 5 4. The style of the unit was stimulating and motivating 1 2 3 4 5 5. The assignment/s involved too much work. 1 2 3 4 5 6. The assignment/s was/were clearly explained. 1 2 3 4 5 Comment about the content and method of unit 7. Write your suggestions for improvement. The theoretical part was very interesting and useful to develop a good understanding of how and why GBL should be an approach considered by teachers. It was interesting that not only readymade games can be used to elicit the students’ learning process but students can be the designers of their own games The practical part involved the creation of a game by the use of Scratch. I believe that this was a helpful approach so that I can get used to Scratch by experimentation and first hand use. However, the way it was tackled during the lectures was very brief and certain problem solving issues weren’t tackled.
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Learning Environment The unit was structured well, comprising both FtF and on-line components. The blended approach served to give a good insight of the theme. The unit should have been totally on-line. I was able to work on activities and assignments with other colleagues On-line learning tools were user friendly On-line learning tools were adaptable to my specific needs Tools were available to share unit content and activities with other learners Accessing on-line material was easy and user friendly The overall ‘feel’ of the environment was suitable for learning The online Adobe Connect environment was very manageable and user friendly The dedicated Google site was well structured and easy to use
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Evaluation: Diploma in Technology-Enhanced Learning 2011-2013 18. 19.
I learnt to use a variety of digital tools 1 2 3 4 5 When I came across problems in using digital tools, I knew 1 2 3 4 5 where to get help from 20. This unit gave me ample opportunity to learn from other 1 2 3 4 5 participants Comment about the learning environment of unit 7. Write your suggestions for improvement. The learning environment was suitable both for f-2-f and online sessions. The only few hitches arose during the use of Adobe Connect. Part where normal technical issues and part where lack of proper use from the tutor. However this did not undermine the session’s objective. Usefulness of the unit 21. My knowledge of the subject now includes some new aspects 1 2 3 4 22. I am able to put what I learned in the unit into practice 1 2 3 4 23. Through this unit I increased my skills in TEL 1 2 3 4 24. As a result of doing the unit, I feel better at managing blended 1 2 3 4 learning 25. I will recommend this unit to prospective participants 1 2 3 4 26. Unit content was relevant to my teaching job 1 2 3 4 Comments about the usefulness of unit 7. Write your suggestions for improvement.
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This credit provided a sound foundation for using GBL in the teaching profession. As a teacher, I identified such an approach to fine tune, and better redesign course package regarding the Problem Solving and Programming skills to suit the kind of learning process expected by ‘net generation’ students. GBL is an excellent supplement to education in order to prepare the students facing modern economic, business, working and social trends. Moreover, the idea of empowering the students with creating games themselves was extremely a success in my experience with my students. The students were instructed to use KODU and/or Scratch to practice their problem solving and programming skills. I tried to use readymade games such as Light Bot with my students during private lessons and this left a positive attitude among the students. Hence, I will surely try and keep on developing this approach during future scholastic years
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Suggestions for future Courses Indicate the relevance of the following topics in this unit for future courses: Games and Play 1 2 3 4 Digital Gaming Trends 1 2 3 4 Examples of Educational digital Games 1 2 3 4 Justifications for using digital Games in Learning 1 2 3 4 Criticism for using digital games in teaching and learning 1 2 3 4 Ways digital games can be integrated in the classroom 1 2 3 4 Research about digital games 1 2 3 4
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Evaluation: Diploma in Technology-Enhanced Learning 2011-2013 34. Positive and negative effects of digital games 1 2 3 4 35. Using the 'Learning by designing games' approach 1 2 3 4 36. Using Scratch 1 2 3 4 37. Using websites dedicated to the design of simple games 1 2 3 4 Please feel free to write any additional comments and suggest relevant topics to be included in this unit.
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As mentioned above, Scratch tuition was very brief and didn’t cover an extensive array of problem solving situations. This was not an actual problem for me as I have very good programming skills. Therefore, while developing a game with Scratch as part of the assignment, I had no problems that I couldn’t handle. But for other students who lack certain advanced programming skills and problem solving concepts, this was a very demanding assignment. Also, I could have elaborated even further while developing the game if such an assignment had more ECTSs.