This last unit focused on Cased
based and Object based learning environments.
Cased-based learning methods, Cognitive Flexibly theory (CFT), and
Learning objects share a similar foundation that their focus is using relative
cases and stories for student learning.
They are created for students to explore cases or “lessons learned by
other people” and then show how they can apply knowledge to other cases or
situations. Case based reasoning (CBR)
reminds me a lot of our recent project that was classified as a Cognitive
Flexibility theory. Cased based reasoning
is using old cases and prior experiences from cases read to help solve a new
case. The CFT project recently completed
was set up where one must read multiple letters from different people from a
southern plantation (cases) and then read current articles (new cases) about the modern day health crises to
recognize similarities. The last
question in the assignment proposed a new problem and we had to apply what we
know and learned from the cases to come up with solutions. CFT is more time consuming, but for CBR one
would be able to come up with solutions quicker because of prior
knowledge. Learning Objects are actual
content resources that can be used in various modules of Cased-based learning
and for CFT. Learning Objects should be
reused and shared much like the resources for cased based learning.
These learning modules require students
to use high order thinking skills which is important but also very complex to
create and implement. For my students I
think the main barrier would be students not understanding what is actually
asked of them and how to actually complete the assignment. The learning environment would have to
incorporate a well designed interactive web module where all resources are
linked and instructions provided. I
think it would be very timely to not only search for relative cases, but then
to create a user-friendly web module.
Learning objects can be tagged and
shared to help in the process of designing learning modules. Being able to share learning objects with
other teachers and then possibly being able to modify for classroom instruction
would be a benefit. I also believe if I
found some more basic or cases that I know I could apply to several projects
throughout the semester would be very useful for me. Students could apply that prior knowledge to
new cases throughout the semester.
I also like the idea with CFT that
student examples illustrate the content in multiple contexts. I think this is important for high school
students to see and know because it will help them better relate to the real
world.
I can’t imagine these models not
being a web module. An interactive web
site with all necessary attachments linked is a must. Ning, dropbox, google drive can be used to
share resources and for discussions. Weebly has been a great tool for designing
interactive modules and great for organizing for high school students or
younger. Zunal is a web quest maker and
your site can be created for students to read, learn, apply, and assess
learning as they follow web quest instructions.
