Challenge C: Substantive Post #1
A open educational resource I found when I was looking at various teaching modals that I found really impactful is PhET Interactive Simulations by the University of Colorado Boulder. They provide free, online based tools that let learners explore a multitude of scientific concepts through hands-on visual models in things such as physics, chemistry, math, and biology. These simulations are unique because they allow users do play with different variables and see how it change thing.
For example this is a simple addition tool that shows you how to add to eleven:
As you move the apples around the text, image, and equation changes:
From an educational standpoint, PhET does a great job applying Mayer’s multimedia learning principles, especially the ones about combining text and visuals in clear, simple ways. The animations show ideas that would otherwise be abstract, while short bits of text and narration help learners make sense of what they’re seeing. The layout tries it’s best to avoid clutter and focuses attention on the main concept, which keeps cognitive load low and supports deeper understanding. Because you have control over the pace and sequence, it also connects to ideas in active learning and constructivism, where students learn by doing and testing their own ideas. If I were to give feed back I think there is some streamlining the website could do as there a lot of buttons on the screen that dont seem to have an enharent value. This could also be because I only spend 10-15 minutes on the site.
PhET also stands out for its accessibility. It follows Universal Design for Learning principles by giving people different ways to engage and interact. The simulations are available in many languages, can be used on phones and tablets, and include options like keyboard navigation and screen-reader support. All of this makes it easier for learners with different needs to take part. I am not sure what I want to do for this assignment yet but I think something along these lines of these STEM tools would be neat. Though, I have no clue how to program.