A Collaborative, Problem-Centered Approach to Learning About Technology Using Technology

1. A Collaborative, Problem-Centered Approach to Learning AboutTechnology Using Technology Caroline O’BannonETC 547 Fall 2001

2. Page 2 “Mushroom Management” is a project in which students are placed in a simulation environment where a problem or dilemma is presented that students must work to resolve. The concept is based on the book The Soul of the New Machine by Tracy Kidder. In it, “Mushroom Management” is summed up in four phases that will be further explored in this presentation. Whatever it is, I only hope olive oil isn’t involved!

3. Page 3 • Encourages / requires active student participation in the learning process • Content is no longer central focus • Steps involved in finding a resolution to the problem come center stage • Interdisciplinary Fascinating!It’s amazing what a little fungus can do!

4. Page 3 • Used as tool in the process of working to solve the presented problem • Students learn about technology through its use • Technology supports curriculum • Tools to gather, organize and analyze information

5. Page 4 • Students are…. • Introduced to a “real-life” problem / situation in need of resolution that… • Motivates them to become actively involved in the process and… • Exposes them to a situation for which they have little to no prior knowledge Dark? What kind of funny business is this?

6. Page 5 • Phase 2 Components require: • Careful planning of activities that will engage and prepare students to solve the problem. This is done by asking: “What will students need to know to get to a solution?” “What activities will get them involved?” • Tools needed to solve the problems are “taught” by being incorporated into the activities Manure? Hmph! Obviously they don’t realize I’m a rare French Truffle!

7. Page 6 • Once students have been well fed, it is now time for them to put their newly acquired tools and abilities into application! • Students work in a collaborative environment • Student-centered environment emerges • Teacher becomes a facilitator / resource to the process • Problem solvers are emerging! Grow?Not that I can do!

8. Page 7 • In the final phase the students are… • Involved in a culminating activity in the form of a simulation that… • Requires them to demonstrate the skills they have learned and apply their use to a real-life situation so that… • Students can see how their skills transfer to the “real world” and… • The activity brings it to a close. Oh…Shitake! I’m too young to go!

9. The Beneficial Use of Mushroom Management! Students acquire: • Valuable problem-solving skills • Acquisition of technology skills and their many applications • Collaborative working skills • Interdisciplinary skills This method incorporates a variety of teaching methods that reach across manylearning modalities. That’s the end? Page 8

10. Read the paper on which this presentation is based: A Collaborative, Problem-Centered Approach to Learning About Technology Using Technology Review of The Soul of a New Machine Other publications by Priscilla Norton Resources, in case you’d like to check it out foryourself! Page 9