Advancing Learning 2018

New innovations in learning technology have at times displaced older learning methods and traditional learning supplements such as physical props or models. Learning tools such as Kahoot and other web-based applications have put cell phones in student's hands instead of these older physical objects. These new technologies have created a modern way to achieve student engagement that is well suited to the learning climate, however in this session I aim to show that new and old can coexist and provide an even stronger learning experience for students.
Web based applications meet students on their own terms and allow for gamification of learning objectives. However, sometimes this experience still leaves students divorced from reality. When students are able to physically hold a model or prop and use it to explain concepts they become experiential learners and grasp materially to a deeper extent. Both methodologies have strengths and drawbacks, and so we should look to merge these experiences and attempt to create content for web-based platforms that actually integrates physical models and props.

In this session I will engage participants in a demonstration using a Kahoot session (along with other applications) in conjunction with miniature toy animal figurines to demonstrate basic scientific concepts related to natural selection. I encourage participants to bring their phones and play along (minimal technical knowledge required).