Learning Technologies

Over the past year, I have expanded my understanding of the learning technologies, from viewing them as only digital to learning about non-digital ones, which are used to drive better outcomes. Although there are many controversial thoughts about whether digital technologies should be used in education or not, I think the way those technologies are used is more important. I have always been passionate about technologies and have gone through the rabbit hole of using them just for the sake of it multiple times and have been learning to concentrate on whether particular technology has added value to the learning environment and outcomes. Technologies could be used for several purposes, such as tools for scaffolding, making invisible visible, or tools to think with.

Making the invisible visible is just as it sounds; specific components cannot be seen, such as how atoms move or germs spread. Technologies from simple computers to the newest VR experiences and simulators can help introduce students to some concepts that cannot be observed in reality, thus developing their mental models.

Scaffolding is the method where teachers, or in this case, technologies, provide specific support for learners as they acquire new skills, where either a chunk of instruction is taken care of by the technology, which allows the learner to concentrate on what is essential at that particular point. Good scaffolding is flexible, meaning it shifts support to needed areas while fading it, ensuring learners can take on more and more responsibilities along the way. Technologies are a great tool to ensure there is sufficient support for learners. In the project "Telling Science," we have been trying to scaffold learners' understanding of various scientific and engineering concepts and practices with a digital helper, "Quirky," who makes sure learners take the most essential components from each experience are involved in. You can read more about how we did it here.

I have been using non-digital technologies as tools to think within two of my projects. "Sustainable self Care" will help illustrate what this means to be the best. In the mentioned project, students were creating their own self-care products like scrubs and toothpaste and their own sustainable packaging. By physically making and engaging with sustainable materials, students start to make sense of sustainable ingredients and packaging, thus expanding their understanding and building their mental models.