No lecture or Teacher, just Software
On Dr. Foreman’s website I followed one of her links to this article that was in the New York Times 8/19/00 “No Lectures, or Teacher, Just Software”. It is about Dr. Roger Schank and his company that design interactive software.
Through the Institute for Learning Science and Cognitive Art Dr.Schank and his staff have developed more than 100 programs; he does not think that online learning is about putting a text book on line and then adding a quiz.
Dr Schank’s program combines the look of high tech video games with a mission impossible-style narrative. A course in biology might challenge a student to stop a world wide virus outbreak. An economics course might have them play the role of adviser to the chairman of the Federal Reserve. Students delve into the course’s volume of academic information including videotapes of experts in the field related to the program. His company put extra-ordinary effort into creating software, each of which can take a year to design and cost up to 1million dollars.
His students are required to write a detail report on what they learned. A student that cuts corners or does not finish the course may have their failing grade delivered in the spirit of a video game for instance an incomplete would draw a mock newscast about he student’s report.
Is this type of role playing a good idea? Which learning theory would this approach be best suited for?
posted by catherine @ 11:18 AM
2 Comments:
YES!!! I'm glad you pointed me to this article. I'm very much interested in developing educational RPGs, and think that this sort of constructivist setting will let students explore on their own with built-in guidance. Think of all the real-life skills you can teach using RPGs. With games like Everquest and Asheron's Call, players are forced to manage their own economies, pay rent, negotiate with other players, and develop interactional skills which can then translate to real-life interpersonal skills.
Simulated situtations for learning provides practical application of knowledge and an opportunity for problem solving. I don't see this replacing teachers as learners need guidance from others with knowledge. Not to say learners can learn without a teacher but having a teacher/facilitator helps keeps the learning on track and focused so the learner can accomplish goals that are set by them or by others. I have experienced distance learning, self paced online learning and face to face learning. The face to face learning has definitely provided me with more information and a more enriching learning experience.
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