Experimenting with Technologies

Chapter 3
Chapter Objectives:

1. Describe how
microworlds support
hyothesis generation

2. Show how
technology simulations
can support
experimentation

4. Describe how
multiuser virtual
environments can
enhance learning

A virtual
world is a
realistic,
threedimensional
computer
simulation
in which
users
identify
themselves
as anavatar
while
interacting
with other
users
Simulations
are imitations
of some real
thing, state of
affairs, or
process.

3. Predict the effects of

gaming on student
performance

5. Describe how
experimenting with
different technologies
support the development
of NETS and 21st
Century Skills
The term
microworld
was coined
by Seymour
Papert
(1980) to
describe
explorational
learning
environment
s that used
logo turtles
to learn
principles of
geometry
Newer kinds
of video and
computerbased games
can be used
to support
meaningful
learning in
classrooms