Describe how you would adapt one traditional learning activity to the online environment.
A traditional learning activity that you would find in my Intro to Engineering would be an introduction to 3D Modeling software and geometric design. In the activity, students would conceptualize a puzzle cube using 27 small wooden cubes. Then they would model the puzzle in a 3D modeling software. The typical unit would include a lecture on measuring and statistics. Then the students would measure the blocks and plot out the results in a histogram. After this activity they would design puzzle pieces on graph paper that fit together into a cube. With the pieces designed, they would then model each piece on the modeling software, and assemble it into a virtual puzzle. Multiview drawing sheets would then be created and submitted.
In order to incorporate this activity into an online environment, there would be some considerations that need to be made. Students will need access to the simple materials, and a 3D modeling software like Google SketchUp. In a blended environment, these materials would be readily available to students. Instead of presenting lectures on the topics, I would create informational videos using software like Camtasia Studio, ShowMe, or Educreations. These videos could be uploaded to a student LMS and students would have access to that information online. The students would have the ability to re-watch what they were not sure about. Through the LMS, they could ask me questions or even post questions to the class for feedback.
The tools that you would need to implement this activity in an online environment are pretty simple. You would need an account with a Learning Management System. I use a free one called Schoology, but you might already have something in place with your school. To produce the videos, I would recommend screen recording software. This can be purchased or free, but there are a lot of acceptable options available.
Scaffolding in this activity is simply a matter of maintain a community for students to ask questions and communicate with each other. The activity is designed to allow for students to be able to work at their own pace. Different students will get stuck in different portions, but they would then be able to go back and review the lesson as necessary. I found this to be a very helpful resource in my Web design class that I took through Boise State. The lessons were delivered through video, and when I got stuck, I could go back and review the section I was having trouble with.
A traditional learning activity that you would find in my Intro to Engineering would be an introduction to 3D Modeling software and geometric design. In the activity, students would conceptualize a puzzle cube using 27 small wooden cubes. Then they would model the puzzle in a 3D modeling software. The typical unit would include a lecture on measuring and statistics. Then the students would measure the blocks and plot out the results in a histogram. After this activity they would design puzzle pieces on graph paper that fit together into a cube. With the pieces designed, they would then model each piece on the modeling software, and assemble it into a virtual puzzle. Multiview drawing sheets would then be created and submitted.
In order to incorporate this activity into an online environment, there would be some considerations that need to be made. Students will need access to the simple materials, and a 3D modeling software like Google SketchUp. In a blended environment, these materials would be readily available to students. Instead of presenting lectures on the topics, I would create informational videos using software like Camtasia Studio, ShowMe, or Educreations. These videos could be uploaded to a student LMS and students would have access to that information online. The students would have the ability to re-watch what they were not sure about. Through the LMS, they could ask me questions or even post questions to the class for feedback.
The tools that you would need to implement this activity in an online environment are pretty simple. You would need an account with a Learning Management System. I use a free one called Schoology, but you might already have something in place with your school. To produce the videos, I would recommend screen recording software. This can be purchased or free, but there are a lot of acceptable options available.
Scaffolding in this activity is simply a matter of maintain a community for students to ask questions and communicate with each other. The activity is designed to allow for students to be able to work at their own pace. Different students will get stuck in different portions, but they would then be able to go back and review the lesson as necessary. I found this to be a very helpful resource in my Web design class that I took through Boise State. The lessons were delivered through video, and when I got stuck, I could go back and review the section I was having trouble with.