Work in Progress: Future Outlook

Work in Progress
Currently, BlackSpace Digital Unlimited, in conjunction with Spinal DEGA Communications, is working on a pilot for an animated series that explores engineering and technology concepts. The objective is to captivate the interests of 9-12 students via multimedia, animation (i.e. edutainment), storytelling (e.g. comic books) that integrate math and science concepts used in engineering design and problem solving. We are employing a constructivist view of learning that takes into acount the prior knowledge of students while connecting the academic content to real world applications. The pilot episode for the proposed animated series will concern the principles of circular motion. Gyroscope technology will be the conceptual metaphor used to demonstrate particular aspects of rotational dynamics and how these concepts can be used in real world applications. The use of figurative devices, such as gyroscopes, will be used to assist students in their understanding of seemingly abstract science and math concepts. Moreover, the subject curriculum model will use engineering and technology as an organizing mechanism for the delivery of seemingly abstract science and math concepts and principles. This pedagogical approach employs the ideals behind project-based learning. Project based learning offers students the opportunity to play a more active role in their learning process. Hence, it is a form of learning that is student-centered (versus teacher or curriculum centered).

Project-based Learning
Students engaging in project-based learning activities connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world events or applications and are expected to demonstrate their knowledge of the academic content rather that just memorizing information in order to pass an exam. The intent is to help students embody knowledge through the use of hands-on activities, research, multimedia, journal writing (i.e. storytelling), and oral presentations. The ultimate goals is to integrate as many education standards as possible so that students (and teachers) can capitalize on areas wherein seemingly separate subjects overlap. This form of learning involves systems thinking and interdisciplinary curriculum design. I like to refer to this pedagogical approach as "The Unified Field Theory of Education (UFTE)".