Social learning theories indicate that in order to help teach children to solve realistic problems, they must be placed in an anologous situation. Students can be told all day how to solve problems in realistic (read: collaborative) situations, but without actually experiencing it, lecturing will not achieve much. I found the idea of using simulation games to be an intriguing approach to implement social learning theories.
Games derive their fun from some aspect of realism. Good games are designed to appeal to and challenge our senses – not only physiologically but psychosocially as well.Social learning theories focus, in part, on facilitating students' understanding of how their choices and actions affect others and their environment. Web-enabled multiplayer simulation games are geared towards this component of social learning theories. Students are placed in realistic scenarios (an important component of social learning theory) and are challenged to make appropriate choices based on available information.
In the art classroom, while I do not have the ability to engage students in online multiplayer games, I do have other strategies at my disposal. Using Moodle (which our distric supports) I could create a class webspace where students work could be posted and commented on. This simple approach will offer a basic way for kids to experience some sense of what it is like to have work published for public exhibition. It would be my goal that, through this approach, students begin to gain an understanding of how their decisions and creations in the art classroom can have wider significance, even a global audience given this web-enabled technology. Realizing this would hopefully initiate self-reflection in my students and get them to think about how their talent and creativity can be received by others. The ultimate goal, of course, is to get students to take pride and ownership of their talents and ideas by assigning them a realistic, out-of-classroom significance.
Very well written post. Is there anyway that you could use students artwork as the basis for a multiplayer game? I am just wondering. I know it takes a lot to create these games, but I am wondering if there is anything out there whereby you could change the background images etc. to reflect soemthing that your students have created?
ReplyDeleteGames are essential in todays students' and creating games would meet many of the needs our students need. Sometimes our students behave as if they are playing a game when they are seated. If we could use what is a part of reality in many of our students home in the classroom; I think we would see overall improvements.
ReplyDeleteSocial learning offers more toward students learning. Instead of teachers telling students what to do, they offer a foundation and let students find their way. The right connective activities do allow students to make choices and decisions on their learning. I think this gives teachers more focus in the classroom. Students will be more invested because they will be more active for an end result.
ReplyDeleteJay