Journal #8

     Since my last posting, not much has happened on which to update.  This week I am wrapping up my last service hour and making a last update to my website.  I plan on attending the optional class tomorrow (11/29) night in order to fix a problem I am having with uploading my site to the web and also to receive some last minute design advice. 
     For this week I read Project KID DESIGNER: Constructivism at work through play.  The title immediately caught my attention as I am always trying to find new and engaging things to bring into my classroom.  After finding this article is about students integrating curriculum into games they create, I was hooked.  Due to time constraints, I find it challenging to set time aside to play games.  I have heard recently from several students that they would like to play more games.  KID DESIGNER would allow students the opportunity to be involved intellectually and socially with the learning process.  While the setting of this study was in the elementary school, this concept could be applied to any level of schooling. 
    I particularly appreciate the phrase "creative investment" used to describe the design process.  Through this study it was obvious that students were taking ownership of their projects as I could imagine them beaming with pride when their idea was chosen or when they enjoyed playing a game they had just created.  The enthusiasm that follows would allow students to connect the curriculum with a favorite pastime and will result in sustainable learning.         
     The fact that collaboration was actively taking place in these classrooms is crucial to both social and intellectual maturity.  When the article mentioned that nearby high school students could mentor and participate in the designing of the games, I again pictured proud creators impatiently waiting to show-off their creations and how honored they would be to receive feedback from the older students.  The process of constructing knowledge, as demonstrated by Project KID DESIGNER, gives students a unique opportunity to build character through identifying each others strengths and developing a love for life-long learning.

Holly


Rieber, L. P., Luke, N., & Smith, J. (1998). Project KID DESIGNER: Constructivism at work through play. Meridian: Middle School Computer Technology [On-line], 1(1).