- LEarninG and tHinkinG witH tHinGs (^) | 131
this, I take an ethnographer’s definition of technology, focusing on the
effect of these artifacts on a culture. Based on my work as an educator
and designer, I propose the following principles for designing learning
objects.
A good learning object:
Encourages playful interactions
Aside from being fun or enjoyable, playfulness suggests you can
play with it, that there is some interactivity. Learning happens
through safe, nondestructive interactions, in which experimenta-
tion is encouraged. Telling me isn’t nearly as effective as letting
me “figure it out on my own.” Themes of play, discovery, experi-
mentation, and the like are common to all of the learning exam-
ples shared here. Sifteo founder Dave Merrill comments that “Like
many games, [Sifteo] exercises a part of your brain, but it engages
a fun play experience first and foremost.”
Supports self-directed learning (SDL)
When learners are allowed to own their learning—determining
what to learn, and how to go about filling that gap in their knowl-
edge—they become active participants in the construction of
new knowledge. This approach to learning encourages curiosity,
helps to develop independent, intrinsically motivated learners, and
allows for more engaged learning experiences. Contrary to what
is suggested, SDL can be highly social, but agency lies in hands of
the learner.
Allows for self-correction
An incorrect choice, whether intended, unintended, or the result of
playful interactions should be revealed quickly (in real time if pos-
sible) so that learners can observe cause-and-effect relationships.
This kind of repeated readjusting creates a tight feedback loop, ulti-
mately leading to pattern recognition.
Makes learning tangible
Nearly everything is experienced with and through our bodies. We
learn through physical interactions with the world around us and
via our various senses. Recognizing the physicality of learning,
and that multimodal learning is certainly preferable, we should
strive for manipulatives and environments that encourage embod-
ied learning.
nandana
(Nandana)
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