Problem solving and bits and pieces

Ad for a conference paper QSITE State Conference 5-6 July Coomera, Gold coast Themes – Learning Technologies – One-to-One Issues – ICT in the Curriculum – Digital Citizenship

Magic Boots The goal is to transfer your group across an open area using one pair of magic boots. No body part can touch the ground except for feet wearing the magic boots. The boots cannot be thrown across the field. They can be carried. Each foot on each person can only wear a boot safely for one trip across. After that foot is used, it cannot be used for any more trips. List of problem solving strategies Think aloud for the audience

What problem solving strategies were used? Guess and check Solve a simpler problem Make an organized list Experiment Draw a picture or diagram Act it out Look for a pattern Work backwards Make a table Use deduction Use a variable Change your point of view

Problem solving central to ICT use Qualities of a constructivist learning environments Task based or project-based learning ICT as mind tools – focus beyond production of digital media texts or problem solving to use ICT In amongst problem solving strategies as a general context. Text Pages

Mind tools Constructing and using spreadsheets Use of data bases Using programming and logic Lego and logo, programmable robots Constructing virtual worlds Animation Educational games Simulations The new directions for national curriculum espec new Technology

Mind tools Using large real data sets Asking questions about data including what-if Looking at the same data in multiple ways Making some automated routines/processes Logically thinking things through step by step and using digital tools along the way Thinking with others Making thinking visible Repurposing tools and features of tools as mind tools

Mind tools Edit-ability is a key asset of a digital version Exploit qualities of the software Trying various scenarios – what if? Graphing and diagrams Outline verses linear views Making some automated routines/processes Repurposing tools and features of tools as mind tools

Problem solving process George Polya 1. Understand the problem 2. Devise a plan 3. Carry out the plan 4. Look back (reflect) Carry out plans Building plans Prob defn

1. Understand the problem What are you asked to find out or show? Can you draw a picture or diagram to help you understand the problem? Can you restate the problem in your own words? Can you work out some numerical examples that would help make the problem more clear? Teach problem solving strategies explicitly Teach problem solving strategies explicitly Work digitally while learning these strategies

100% chance of winning lotto Would it be better to take a chance on winning Lotto or to save your lotto costs every week? Winning Lotto spreadsheet is in study desk

2. Devise a plan A partial list of Problem Solving Strategies include: Guess and check Solve a simpler problem Make an organized list Experiment Draw a picture or diagram Act it out Look for a pattern Work backwards Make a table Use deduction Use a variable Change your point of view

Homework before Tut Skype me any night from 8pm-9pm Mon- Thurs for as discussion about Assignment 2 Download – change profile – use a picture and add profile info Check security settings Skype: michelle or look for Michelle Williams or Skype: michelle or look for Michelle Williams or

Homework before Tut Try the spreadsheet problem for yourself Play around with a blank spreadsheet and make a table. Make the table look attractive and have at least one calculation in it. Or try this problem. Calculate the number of days to your birthday Then edit your design to calculate the number of days to any birthday. Skype: michelle or look for Michelle Williams or Skype: michelle or look for Michelle Williams or

Resources folder for this week for ideas. Download the one you are interested in and browse – old but clear ideas Read text chapter 5 over next couple of weeks and start thinking about prac ideas. Workshop this week White board use part 1 Spreadsheets as problem solving tools