0) Expand the following acronyms:
- a) FOSS
Free and Open Source Software
- b) OLPC
Stands for One Laptop Per Child, could also refer to the actual devices distributed (XOs)
- c) tl;dr
Too Long; Didn't Read
- g) LGTM
Looks Good To Me
- h) RTFM
Read The Freaking Manual
- i) PEBKAC
Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair (User Error)
- f) LOL
Lots Of Ligaments
1) Define the following instructional theories:
- a) Didactic
Focuses on engaging the student in a consistent scientific and educational style
- b) Dialectic
Also known as the Socratic Method it engages the student by asking questions and having the student deduce the answer on their own
- c) Constructivist
A system of learning that focuses on real world applications and hands on learning
- d) Multiple Intelligences
The idea that there is not one general intelligence on its own but rather human intelligence is derived from different intelligences that focus on different skills. For example someone may have a high level of linguistic intelligence that gives them a proficieny in language and writing but may have a lower logical intelligence and have a harder time with logic problems.
2) Describe the role of the instructor in each theory.
- a) Didactic
This is a traditional teaching style popularized by the old schools of Europe wherein the teacher is the one with the knowledge who imparts it onto the students. Teachers simply lecture to engage the students who must then engage themselves in what the teacher is saying to absorb the knowledge
- b) Dialectic
This style of teaching is more about leading a student to a conclusion of their own rather than telling them what the answer is to one problem and having them deduce the answer to another. Herein the teacher's goal is not to impart knowledge but to facilitate learning by administering questions.
- c) Constructivist
Similar to Dialectic learning where the teacher is again more of a moderator than an authority figure in this theory the teacher would be providing a "playground" for the students to work in to derive their own answers to more physical problems. A teacher following this style of learning may impart a concept to the students and then follow that up with a hands on demo to extrapolate the concept.
- d) Multiple Intelligences
Under this instructional theroy a teacher would be concerned more with which intelligence they are targeting with their curriculum. The teacher would also be concerned with which other instructional theory would best fit that type of intelligence they are trying to foster. A teacher of physics may feel that the intelligence that are concerned with is Logical-Mathematical intelligence and follow a more Dialectic or even Constructivist method of teaching while a teacher of rhetoric would be using a strictly Dialectic method to target a more Linguistic Intelligence.
3) What are the three key aspects of a lesson plan?
A Basic Lesson Plan's three elements are:- Objectives
- Methods
- Evaluation
4) How does Sugar integrate and implement constructivist learning theory?
The Sugar interface is based around the concept of "doing" things. Programs are "Activities" and the interface is designed to be explored. It's not holding your hand telling you what to look at, it's providing resources and paths to additional resources. On top of that I'd argue that the internet can do much of what a teacher would be doing in a perfectly Constructivist environment; the vast amount of information provided is a great asset when learning anything new and since the OLPCs can connect to the internet that already makes them a great facilitator of information. The internet however does not provide any sort of moderation.Bonus: Where can new Sugar users and contributors go to find out more information, ask questions, and get involved?
The Sugar Labs wikiAny IRC channel friendly to Sugar such as:
- #rit-foss @ irc.freenode.net
- #olpc-help @ irc.freenode.net
