Putting the “Fun” in Fundamental

Fun and games could soon be part of more school lessons in Brazil, thanks to a joint international project involving Watson College of Education faculty and graduate students.

Led by Dr. Daisyane Barreto, associate professor in the Department of Instructional Technology, Foundations and Secondary Education and coordinator of WCE’s Master of Science in Instructional Technology program, and Dr. José Aires de Castro Filho, professor at the Federal University of Ceará, the work focuses on integrating science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and English as a Foreign Language in the Brazilian Public School System.

Digital teacher-training modules being designed and developed by WCE graduate students Ariane Hamm and William Mitchell, in partnership with Dr. Barreto and Dr. Eleni Pappamihiel (professor in the Department of Instructional Technology, Foundations and Secondary Education), will provide guidance to help teachers plan lessons and effectively implement an integrated curriculum in Brazilian schools for students in grades 6-12.

“Technology provides a means to create different contexts, explore concepts and use multiple and dynamic representations,” said Dr. Filho, who specializes in educational informatics, cognitive psychology and mathematics education. “Gamification is a proven way to engage broad audiences.”

Digital Education Resources involve software, video, animation, images, video games or simulations that have an educational purpose. In his work, Dr. Filho combines DERs with gamification, which involves the use of game mechanics such as goals, rules, challenges and awards.

A grant from the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Brazil, supplemented by a mini-grant from the Watson College Dean’s Office, funded the faculty-student collaboration.