The Augmented Classroom

Augmented Reality is an emerging educational tool that provides learners with the opportunity to become immersed in a world that is composed of both real-world and virtual objects (Bower et al, 2014). The augmented experience is created through the technologies access to information that enables virtual objects to become overlayed in real-time via the camera…

Supporting Constructionism in Maker Spaces

The terms ‘Maker Movement’ and ‘Makerspace’ demonstrate the integration of enriched learning spaces that enable students to design, make, create, build, engineer, collaborate and problem-solve in both formal and informal settings (Donaldson, 2014; Martinez & Stager, 2014). Despite its rise in popularity and implementation within formal education, the ‘Maker Movement’ isn’t a new concept and is…

Week 7: Robotics Lego WeDo 2.0

Educational robotics ha the power to be an innovative tool within classrooms by encouraging students to develop higher order thinking and 21st century skills (Atmatzidou & Demetriadis, 2016; Alimisis, 2013). Recent studies have suggested that student confidence, curiosity, engagement, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, reasoning, computational thinking and social skills inclusive of participation, collaboration and teamwork…

Week 5: The evolution of game-based learning

The evolution of game-based digital learning technologies within formal education aims to provide students with immersive experiences where students can actively contribute, collaborate and respond to a diversity of problems (Squire, 2006). Providing students with game-based digital learning technologies can be embedded within both constructivist and constructionist pedagogy where students are given the opportunity to…

Week 4: 21st Century Skills – Computational Thinking.

Computational thinking is a fundamental life skill in the 21st century and has become integrated within the Australian Curriculum to provide students with the tools to become active participants of the future (New South Wales Education Standards Authority, 2018; Durak, Yilmaz & Yilmaz, 2017). Wing (2006) urges that computational thinking is not limited to computer…

Week 3: Empowering ‘The Creator’ with Design Based Thinking

Pedagogy implementing creative design thinking processes into the classroom is inclusive of but not limited to applications such as Sketch Up. SketchUp is a free application that provides students with a space to create unique artifacts as well as develop spatial awareness skills using virtual platforms. Liveri, Xanthacou & Kaila (2012) & Erkoc, Gecu &…

Week 2: (Task 1) The Maker Movement: MaKey MaKey & Scratch

Makey Makey is an interactive educational tool that’s inclusive of a printed circuit board, alligator clips and a USB cable that connects to a device such as a laptop or computer via Windows or Mac. The devices simplest function encourages students to collaborate and  experiment with everyday objects (as long as they conduct electricity) and abstract…