Example of a Learning Activity
Week 7
Learning Activity
Example
Learning scenario
Client/Place: Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Laboratory
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Onboarding Problem: Provide basic exploration and training to
undergraduate students on laboratory safety and best practices when conducting an experiment.
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Objective: Students will be able to locate and use the appropriate
personal protective equipment, safety procedures, and tools necessary to keep themselves and their work area safe for experimentation.
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Learning Model: Problem-Based Gamification via App
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Learning Theory: Connectivism and decision making
Assessments
Assessment #1:
Is the assessment student-centered? ~Yes, this is true because of the individual and team-based typed responses at the end of each module.
Assessment #2:
Is the assessment student-centered? ~Yes, this is true because of the individual and team-based learning experiences while sharing rewards, progress bar, friendly competitions, and leader boards
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- Assessment #1 Formative assessments:
​The interactive game will have a final typed entry after each module (2) so the undergraduate student can reflect on the key points presented individually and as a team. The student responses will be sent to the laboratory's PI (principal investigator/professor) or assigned mentor for evaluation and adjustment of learning materials and additional real-life experience in lab practice under supervision.
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Assessment #2 Authentic assessment:
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Two Modules Laboratory Safety Problem-Based Scenarios and Experimentation Role Play
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Each student will log into the app after a short group presentation from the PI or assigned Lab Mentor. The app will provide critical concepts, terminology, and problem-based scenarios to incite Motivation, engagement, and the necessary critical thinking skills required to create rich online and social learning experiences that are student-centered (individual and team-based experience scenarios) while providing rewards, challenges, badges, social progress bar display, friendly competitions, and a leader board (for the team challenges).
How do these assessments pair well with my chosen model?
​These assessments pair well with my chosen model because both assessments comply with the use of technology tools, and rich individual and social learning experiences my client needs. ​
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Learning Theory Connections to my Learning Scenario
My chosen learning theory was Connectivism and Learning-Based Gamification as my Learning Model. This Learning scenario is an example of self-directed learning, discovery, and social connections via several digital online platforms. To complement this learning theory, I decided to base this scenario on the undergraduate student's decision-making; this is one of the principles stated in Connectivism.
Connectivism Principle
Decision-making is itself a learning process. What we know today may change tomorrow: we need to stay aware of trends and realize that to keep up-to-date, we need to become autodidacts and empower our self-discovery and learning by knowing what, where, and how to look for information (new knowledge).
Conclusion
The Science and STEM fields are ever-evolving and constantly changing. This is why I believe this learning theory, learning model, and assessments will demonstrate that the Science field and higher education institutions can stay up-to-date with the times, advances in technology, and the current generational populations entering those fields.