ED-MEDIA 2008 paper: Simulation Development by Students: An Alternative Cross-Thematic Didactical Approach.
Abstract: This paper presents the cross-thematic scenario “Free fall simulation development” as a framework for activities, using the multimedia programming environment MicroWorlds Pro (MicroWorlds Pro 1.1 – Greek version and the incorporated Logo programming language). This scenario combines elements from informatics, natural sciences and mathematics, and places emphasis on the development of models, programs and multimedia applications as combined projects. The paper’s aim is to discuss the basic parameters of an effective alternative didactical approach, in the level of planning, development and implementation, as well as to support the teaching community with particular suggestions for implementation.
- Based on Seymor Papert’s work and theory of constructionist learning.
- Course: Multimedia networks at 3rd grade of General Senior High school in Athens. Two classes participated: 18 learners and 23 learners.
- Educational scenario: “Free fall simulation development”: a cross-thematic scenario that draws on maths and natural sciences.
- The students’ response to the teaching process was positive.They were engaged in the work; they experimented.
The study demonstrated the value of modeling as a way to engage learners in deep learning. Kusasa aimed for this.
———————–
Authors: Katerina Glezou, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Maria Grigoriadou, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Steven Vosloo 