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Notes
- Similar strategies used in problem solving & in designing (170)
- Chapter describes 4 such contexts where meaningful learning in traditional subject areas can be enhanced with the use of design activities that are made more effective through learning technologies (Drawing design ideas with computer-aided design software; Testing designs and building mental models with simulation software; Developing programming skills while designing in the media arts; Designing music with composition software)
- Challenge of using design tasks in classrooms > many students are not skilled at converting their conceptions into usable graphics that can then be examined & developed further
- Computer-aided design (CAD) program
-- Early design phases > examine their ideas & make changes in their design's structural features, color, or surface texture
-- Later design phases > produce final drawings from which physical prototypes of devices get made
- CAD program--pro/DESKTOP used in schools > students develop their ideas as virtual objects
- Specialty CAD programs
-- Sketchup--architectural design > helps users build solid models of houses & their interiors from which blue-print styled floor plans can be printed
- Simulation programs > helps students build mental models of how the natural world works, helps students build causal links & explanations of how the system works & how elements within the system interact with one another
- Trebuchet Simulator > provides designers w/ fast feedback on design ideas they have & reveals problems w/ planned devices
-- Iterative design is central to doing an effective design. For iterative design to work, students need to be able to propose ideas, build & test prototypes, diagnose & remedy problems w/ their interim designs, & then implement improvements quickly
-- Too much project time gets consumed making & testing a single design plan

Although computer-aided design software is beneficial to use as it allows students to construct their own learning, I do not think CAD is appropriate to use with elementary school students. The chapter discusses using Pro/DESKTOP to teach children how to make a Lego block, but I think this is too advanced for young students. I do not see myself using this tool in my classroom.

Simulations are great to use in middle school and in high school classrooms. I like that the Trebuchet Simulator allows students to use their time and materials more efficiently because students are able to create their models on the computer before creating real-life versions of their models. This promotes meaningful learning because students continually modify their model based on trial and error. The Trebuchet Simulator can also be used to help students make informed design decisions based on evidence rather than random guessing. When I read about simulations in a previous chapter, I explored a simulation involving a parachute. I could manipulate its thickness and size, among other factors. I did this blindly without knowing how they affect the quality of the parachute, and my parachute was not a success. If I knew how these influenced the quality of the parachute, I could have created a successful one. An activity such as this helps students understand the relationship between various concepts learned in science class, for example.

Scratch was my introduction to designing. Scratch is great for teachers to use to create games for their students to play to review material learned in class. This allows the teacher to control the content addressed rather than relying on just any game for students to play to review the content. It has the same benefits as a teacher creating his own worksheets and quizzes rather than relying on standard, pre-packaged assessment materials. Teachers can also have students design games for their peers to play. By creating their own game, students demonstrate their understanding and mastery of the material because it is necessary for them to really know the material to be able to represent it accurately.

I enjoyed reading about music composition software. I think it is a great idea to incorporate music in the classroom. Such programs as GarageBand and the Musical Sketch Pad allow students to compose their own music. Many schools do not have music programs due to lack of funding; however, with composition software, students are able to experience and to experiment with different instruments without them actually being present.