Informal Learning

Bringing Out of School (Informal) Learning into the Classroom

In my Computer Science classes the boundaries between formal in-school learning and informal out-of-school learning are becoming increasingly blurred. This intersection is particularly evident when integrating game design, project based and situated learning into the classroom. Drawing on the work of Resnick (1987), which highlights the importance of learning both in and out of school, this post illustrates innovative ways to create enriching, holistic learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom. Informal learning, characterized by its spontaneous, self-directed, and student-centered nature, offers a rich tapestry of educational opportunities.

When research suggests that 75% of learning we acquire in our lifetime comes from informal learning, it is the connection that makes meaning for us (Gopalakrishnan, 2017). Informal learning happens in everyday contexts and can be facilitated by various activities such as reading, conversations, and hands-on experiences. Unlike traditional, structured classroom settings, informal learning allows students to explore topics that genuinely interest them at their own pace, fostering a deeper and more personal connection to the material. Integrating informal learning into the classroom can take many forms, from student-led projects and inquiry-based activities to collaborative group work and real-world problem-solving. Students collaboratively storyboarding, recording and publishing a student-led podcast project is a great example. This approach encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, as students take ownership of their learning journeys (King & Lord, 2015). Another example is integrating "code your own" programming projects where students apply their learning to create their own programs. Additionally, my students explore and self-pace through game design platforms. The benefits of informal learning in the classroom are manifold: it enhances engagement, promotes lifelong learning habits, and helps students develop essential skills such as time management, self-motivation, and resilience. While there are challenges, such as ensuring that learning objectives are met and managing diverse student interests, the strengths of integrating informal learning into the classroom make it a powerful tool for creating a more dynamic and responsive educational environment.

While informal learning offers students the ability to think and work creatively, there are specific scenarios where didactic teaching (teacher-centered), characterized by a more structured and direct instructional approach (Pardo Léon-Henri, 2023) is more appropriate. In my computer science classes, giving students explicit instructions and providing process modeling is particularly effective when introducing foundational concepts or complex theories that require clear, precise explanations and a step-by-step approach. To illustrate, for my Python programming classes, didactic teaching (including process recordings) ensures that students understand the syntax, basic code structure and foundational principles before they begin exploring more creative, self-directed projects. Modeling the concepts provides a solid groundwork, minimizing confusion and ensuring that all students are on the same page. By combining didactic teaching for foundational knowledge and informal learning for application and exploration, I can create a balanced and effective learning environment that leverages the strengths of both approaches.

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Digital Spaces

Using digital spaces to create simulations for learning computer science concepts offers a transformative approach to education. Imagine a virtual environment where students are learning through interactive simulations that visualize complex algorithms, data structures, and coding principles in real-time. Consider, a digital simulation allows students to manipulate visual representations of sorting algorithms, observing how different methods (like quicksort, mergesort, and bubblesort) organize data. This hands-on, interactive learning experience helps demystify abstract concepts, making them more accessible and engaging. Moreover, simulations provide instant feedback, enabling students to experiment freely and learn from their mistakes without real-world consequences. By leveraging the power of educational technology simulations, I can create a more immersive and effective learning environment that prepares students for the complexities of computer science. This approach not only makes learning more engaging but also aligns with real-world practices in software development and educational technology design.

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Game Design Learning

Game-design teaching and learning emphasizes the powerful role that games can play in education by immersing students in complex, problem-solving environments (Gee & Price, 2021). Their theory suggests that the principles of good game design—such as providing clear goals, offering immediate feedback, and fostering a sense of agency—can significantly enhance learning outcomes. In my computer science classroom, these principles can be seamlessly integrated through projects where students both play and design games. For instance, students might engage in a project where they create a game that teaches basic programming concepts. This project would require them to apply their coding skills to design game mechanics, develop engaging narratives, and ensure user-friendly interfaces. By doing so, they not only reinforce their technical skills but also understand the pedagogical strategies that make learning effective. Furthermore, by testing and iterating on their games based on peer feedback, students experience the iterative process that Gee and Price highlight as essential for deep learning.

Video Game Learning

Integrating a digital video game approach into the classroom also lends itself to situated learning, where knowledge is acquired in context and applied to real-world situations. For example, my students use the NOVA lab (PBS. (n.d.) digital platform and simulation game, to experience cyber defense, network security scenarios, allowing students to experiment with different hacking techniques and defense mechanisms. This hands-on approach helps students understand complex cybersecurity principles and see their relevance to real-world applications. Combining these digital experiences with physical spaces further enhances learning.

Images from Nova Lab

In summary, the integration of informal learning into the formal computer science classroom offers a dynamic and holistic approach to education. By bridging the gap between in-school and out-of-school learning, we can create enriching experiences that resonate deeply with students. This blog post has illustrated how game design, project-based learning, and situated learning can transform traditional educational paradigms. Informal learning, with its self-directed and student-centered nature, not only enhances engagement but also fosters essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and affective learning. While didactic teaching remains crucial for imparting foundational knowledge, incorporating informal learning through digital simulations, game design projects, and real-world applications can make complex concepts more accessible and engaging. This balanced approach prepares students not just for academic success, but for lifelong learning and adaptation in a rapidly evolving interconnected world.

References:

Di Pardo Leon-Henri, D. (2023). Difference between didactics and pedagogy. ReflectiveTeachingJournal.com. Retrieved from https://reflectiveteachingjournal.com/difference-between-didactics-and-pedagogy/

Gee, J. P., & Price, A. (2021). Game-design teaching and learning. Strategies, 34(3), pp. 35-38.

King, B., & Lord, B. (Eds.). (2015). The manual of museum learning. Rowman & Littlefield.

PBS. (n.d.). NOVA Labs: Cyber Lab. NOVA. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/labs/lab/cyber/

Resnick, L. B. (1987). Learning in school and out. Educational Researcher, 16(9), 13-20.

TedX Talks. (2017, February 7). Informal learning: The future | Girish Gopalakrishnan | TEDxNITTrichy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn-5OFcwpkM

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