Is it worth the effort?
Before exploring this, please answer my extremely simple survey.
Imagine it's your birthday and you have two packages to open. Don't think too deeply about this question....
Which would you be more excited about?
Package A Package B
Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who took part in my survey. I had 22 responses and here are the results:
I have to admit, I'm rather surprised at these results and really intrigued to know the reason for your choice. I opted for Package A, because, for me, it promises something special inside, as whoever wrapped it up took time and effort to do so. What informed your choice?
My thinking was tied up with theories that assume that all 21st century learners are interested in, motivated by and experts at using digital technology. (see my earlier post of Heidi Hayes Jacob's talk). These theories are underpinned by the assumption that technology in the classroom excites and engages students. Package A could represent a digitally-rich lesson, making use of different tools to present and play with language. Package B is the session which does not make use of technology. Does that make the content any less valuable? Does it mean that 21st century students will not be stimulated or fully engaged? As you can see from the results of the survey and the comments that have been posted, a large percentage are wary of ostentation. It brings Shakespeare to mind:
All that glitters is not gold
This means that not everything that is shiny and superficially attractive is valuable. Shakespeare demonstrated this in 1596 in The Merchant of Venice. It resonates today with my thoughts on ICT in the classroom. It cannot be used in isolation, but needs to be aligned to learning objectives. Lessons of true value aim to accommodate all preferred styles of learning by following the teaching and learning cycle: identifying needs, planning, implementing, assessing, evaluating. All domains of learning need to be satisfied; cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (emotional). If digital tools can assist in achieving this, then they are adding true value to the teaching and learning experience. However, the "wow" factor does not need to be present in a lesson in order to motivate the students and promote learning. It's structure that makes a lesson great, not 'pizazz'!
Hi! It's Mirae from the ICT module. I wonder what the result will be like!! I'm so curious!
ReplyDeleteHi. I felt that the gift box A is rather cheap and childish, so to say. Whereas the box B looks mysterious and bit expensive. In this era, sometimes simple box looks more expensive. Because we are too used to seeing adverts and cheap present box. Furthermore, the box B looks more real and bigger than A in the pictures, and the shape of the box B can be more attractive. Important things can be kept in the box B. Cultural contexts can influence the result, too. In Japan simple box like the box B usually contains something important. These are the reason I can guess, so far.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne. I chose B because it looked like A was just about the package. B does not have a fancy box, but promises a pair of leather boots!!
ReplyDeleteFor me, B looked bigger and more real. A looked like a drawing or painting, not real. B is simple from outside but I could imagine that there was something cool inside, like a nice and fancy dress! Interesting how we make choices! Thank you Suzzane, this was engaging and fun!
ReplyDelete