Week 2 Assignment
1. Reading Responses
“MagneTracks: A Tangible Constructionist Toolkit for Newtonian Physics”
Reading this research brief about MagneTracks, a tangible learning tool for young learners to learn about mathematization with the use of physial elements was a good introduction to this category of products. I really appreciated the fact that the focus of this tool was to maximize the effect that could be achieved with a simple and accessible physical toolkit which could then be computized and enhanced. I think especially for younger audiences and some adult audiences often times the threshold for too much instructional information can be very low so it is very important to keep the tactile elements of a game or tool to be intuitive and I feel as though this project was one where the creators were finding the best way to introduce concepts of computerized mathematization in an accessible manner. I think even with the assignment that our group created for this assignment could be easily elevated with the use of physical computing into a tactile to digital experience similar to Magnetracks.
Reading this research brief about MagneTracks, a tangible learning tool for young learners to learn about mathematization with the use of physial elements was a good introduction to this category of products. I really appreciated the fact that the focus of this tool was to maximize the effect that could be achieved with a simple and accessible physical toolkit which could then be computized and enhanced. I think especially for younger audiences and some adult audiences often times the threshold for too much instructional information can be very low so it is very important to keep the tactile elements of a game or tool to be intuitive and I feel as though this project was one where the creators were finding the best way to introduce concepts of computerized mathematization in an accessible manner. I think even with the assignment that our group created for this assignment could be easily elevated with the use of physical computing into a tactile to digital experience similar to Magnetracks.
2. Assignment 2: Manipulatives
In collaboration with Ploy Pruekcharoen & Shuang Cai
For this assignment to create a tangible learning aid, Ploy, Shuang, and I decided to create a tool to help learners to grasp the concept of composing a story. We came up with the idea to create a puzzle like modular board that could be built upon with individual elements or pieces that would represent a ‘why,when, where,and who’. Basically the structure of the board is designed to guide the learner to form sentence like structures with different basic elements that makes up a story.
Initial Sketches-
Cardboard Prototype-
We decided to create a prototype with cardboard in order to get a better idea of the size and material of the board, as well as to user test among our group.
Final Prototype-
Instructions for Story Board
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