Microworlds as Mindtools

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Microworlds as Mindtools
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Objectives

• Introduce explain microworld concept
• Discuss examples of microworlds
• Discuss microworlds as Mindtools
• Consider advantages disadvantages of microworlds

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Microworlds for Learning

• "A microworld is a structured environment that
  allows the learner to explore and manipulate a
  rule-governed universe, subject to specific
  assumptions and constraints, that serves as an
  analogical representation of some aspects of the
  natural world." Pea, 1987
• Concrete models which permit direct manipulation
  of abstract ideas
• Learning by doing
• Objects to think with
• Exploratory learning
• Constructivism vs instructionism

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Characteristics of Microworlds

• Simple
• Easy to understand but contains more than is
  obvious
• Patterns provide foundation for understanding
• Useful
• For the development of knowledge with
  understanding
• General
• Extensive and includes cases that cover
  variations in concepts and laws
• Syntonic
• A sense of harmony, possesses resonance, builds
  in intensity to reach stability

Lawler (1982) cited in Flake et al
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Checklist for Microworlds

• Allows for experimental learning, including
  explorations, investigations and building hunches
• Is conceptually based
• Contains underlying structure of the content to
  be explored
• Allows major cognitive restructuring and facility
  to meaningfully construct knowledge
• Allows students to generate feedback from which
  they can judge the efficacy of their methods of
  thinking
• Is intrinsically interesting enough for students
  to want to discuss alternative strategies with
  others about explorations, hence allowing social
  constructions
• Facilitates reflective abstractions
• Is easy to get started
• Flake et al

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Seymour Papert

• Trained as a mathematician
• Worked with influenced by Piaget
• Constructivist epistemology
• Influenced by personal experience as a child
• Gear systems helped thinking about ratio
• Need for objects that are good for thinking
• Microworlds
• Logo programming language developed as an
  environment for learning creating microworlds
• Turtle geometry was the initial Logo microworld

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Foundational ideas of Logo

• Taylors classification
• Computer as tutor, tool, tutee
• Papert in Mindstorms
• Standard CAI computer programs the child
• His vision the child programs the computer
• Learning by teaching
• Programming (explaining) requires understanding
• Implicit ideas become explicit

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Logo language

• Derived from LISP - AI language
• Created as a learning environment
• Interactive active and experiential learning
• Simple but powerful
• Extensible
• Promotes problem solving
• More than Turtle Graphics
• May influence teaching styles

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Other microworlds

• Visualise mathematical systems
• Interactive Physics
• SimCalc
• Geometric Supposer
• Turtle Math
• Simulations
• Sim- series

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Using microworlds with learners

• Support self-regulated learning
• Support self-directed problem solving
• Encourage incidental learning
• Encourage connection to familiar objects
• Model hypothesis generation
• Encourage collaboration of learners
• Have students report and reflect

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Evaluating microworlds as Mindtools

• Advantages
• Encourage active experiential learning
• Represent complex natural phenomena
• Integrate knowledge, skills attitudes through
  problem solving
• Support self-regulated learning
• Limitations
• Single purpose, limited adaptability
• Require skills learners may not have