Reflection LA#6 - MicroWorld EX Quilt

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:41:45 +0100

This is the first technology learning adventure that I did not pause to consider if I would be able to attempt it. When I reflect on why this is, I've considered the following components to this puzzle:

1. I now trust that Gary will not provide us with a LA that can not be accomplished by us, either individually or as a community of learners.
2. I know that all the cadre members will assist me, if I ask for their help.
3. The LA are more enjoyable, from a learning aspect, when done with others. So, my need for technical assistance fits into the structure of the LAs.

The process for this LA: Monday I read the manuals and took all the tutorials that Gary provided. Tuesday I was at a meeting at my institution, and starting telling our CIS/gaming instructor that I was going to be making a quilt with MicroWorlds. He knew the program and started quizzing me on my thoughts of how I attack the project. This conversation attracted the attention of a math instructor and he provided me with input into the process.

I did start one square at a time and went from there. I met with the gaming instructor and we worked on my draft. He wanted to help me do many, many things with the program but I wanted to make sure that I was the designer on this and not the observer. I posted my first draft a few days ago.

I have went in and slowed down the turtle so that you can see the quilt being made. Now, I want to do more with the program. I think this is the way that students will feel when they are able to accomplish a task - empowered.

I have been asking myself if I would have like this program as much if I didn't already understand math and the math concepts that are used here. I can't answer that but I would like to see students use this program as they are learning math. It would allow me to truly get a sense of the impact this type of program can have with students.

learning-adventure-6

Reflection LA#6 - MicroWorld EX Quilt