LearningProblem

Design

Timeline

Design Proposal

Walking The Labyrinth

by

Ami Mehta

Walking The Labyrinth

by

Ami Mehta

March 3, 2001

Learning Problem

Design

Timeline

Abstract

Designing a model of a futuristic learning environment – explore the relationship between the virtual and physical

worlds– use both technology and more traditional methods to help

kids become better writers

Technology

3-D Multimedia Experience

Learning

the writing process

Design

Technology/ Nature Community Clubhouse

Audience

3rd Grade Learners

Learning Problem

Design

Timeline

The Learning Problem

Learning to write is an intimidating process for children.– Many children experience low self esteem and

fall into a “learned helplessness” cycle which can affect their literacy learning.

– Writing is a fundamental skill all children need to master.

– Dewey states that the missing component in educating the whole child is in our lack of understanding they what don't want to learn.

Learning Problem

Design

Timeline

Physical World Meets Virtual World Physical Labyrinth and Treehouse wired with

technologies focused on literacy– Emphasizes the importance of blending nature

and technology– Community Technology Center focused on literacy– Continual focus group for kids and technology

Virtual 3-D Labyrinth and Treehouse precisely replicating the physical model – offering writing activities online– Extends the physical experience into a continued

learning framework– Reifies the writing creation process

Learning Problem

Design

Timeline

Design Goals

Unleash the child’s inventive spirit by leveraging their interest in play to teach writing skills

Motivating kids by having them actually “become” the story

Design the curriculum, activities and lesson plans on the writing process helping kids to become more proficient in school, and life in general.

Designing a gender-neutral environment, appealing to both girls and boys.

Learning Problem

Design

Timeline

Technology Treehouse Design Community Clubhouse for

kids Learning will concentrate on

literacy w/ a specific emphasis on the writer’s workshop

Projects will be based on learning the writing process through the character creation and collaboration

Learning Problem

Design

Timeline

Online Multimedia Design Using virtual technology--kids

will feel as if they are really walking through the labyrinth

Create avatars as characters or personas of themseves

Adaptive Learning Guides will interact with the kids guiding and informing them about the writing process

Learning Problem

Design

Timeline

Activities

Walk into the Labyrinth - Kids will independently write about a character which comes to mind after hearing the story.

In the Treehouse - Kids will become the character they have written about and collaborate with two other kids to create a play of their respective characters.

The Return - Kids will return to the mouth of the labyrinth to act out the play for parents and other kids.

Learning Problem

Design

Timeline

Adventure Books For Kids

Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein

Harry Potter Books by J.K. Rowling

The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

Learning Problem

Design

Timeline

Learner Testing

Conduct user testing scenarios on the 3-D Labyrinth Activity. – Thinking aloud Observations– Pre and Post Tests based on the writing process– Student Interviews– Teacher Interviews– Parent Interviews– Videotaping

Learning Problem

Design

Timeline

Deliverables

Physical Model of the Clubhouse Learning Environment (like a diorama)

Short 3D Multimedia Labyrinth Experience (created in Director)

Learning Problem

Design

Timeline

Questions????

How can I ground my learning problem in the appropriate theories?

How should I set up my research plan, of the enacted labyrinth activity, to ensure the collection of appropriate data?

What is the best way to structure the writing activities and the underlying curriculum?

Learning Problem

Design

Timeline

The Writing Process

Kids will be read a book about dreams like Maurice Sendack’s book In The Night Kitchen.

Kids will walk through a physical labyrinth and are faced with a series of writing challenges. They must write and draw an imaginative character.

The goal is to get to the center of the labyrinth. Before reaching the center of the labyrinth the children will approach a gatekeeper. It is here there story will be checked for grammar, sentence structure, capitalization and word choice.

If their story is cleared of all errors, they will be let through the gate and over the bridge, into the center of the labyrinth.

In the center they will find the treehouse. The treehouse will serve as a community clubhouse using various technologies and traditional materials to encourage children’s literacy.

The project will end with a collaborative performance by the kids.