this is a reflection about technology and digital media in the classroom

1. In analyzing the Quest to Learn learning environment, there are both similarities
and differences when comparing it to a traditional school classroom. The Quest to Learn
classroom focuses on digital media and incorporates it into all aspects of learning within
the curriculum. This type of learning environment allows the students to complete all
work hands-on and does not represent the traditional classroom where students use
various textbooks. The classroom uses digital media tools and trial-and-error methods as
the students design video games while learning about the core school subjects. Another
aspect of Quest to Learn that is different from the traditional classroom is the assessments
that take place as the students complete their work. Instead of standardized testing at the
beginning or end of a year, the students complete assessments of their work as they
design the games. This way they can adapt their games as they create them and learn
from the mistakes they made or learn new ways to improve the game they are creating.
While this type of learning environment is quite different than a traditional classroom I
think it is effective in the techniques that it uses to teach its students. With more hands-on
activities, I believe the students will have better opportunities to learn the material in each
class. Every student is not the same so it is important that variations in learning and
teaching styles are introduced. In this type of environment, the students are able to learn
in a manner that suits their needs, providing a positive interaction between the student
and the learning environment. This type of environment also allows students the
opportunity to work together in groups and create pieces of work that they can present to
the class and receive feedback on. With this type of environment, the students develop
skills that are useful in the future workplace while also enjoying the learning
environment. This is because they are able to learn the material in a manner that is
interesting to them through various forms of digital media and tools provided by their
teachers.
In regards to problems that could occur with this type of teaching and learning, I
think it is important to evaluate the students to see how they are performing. A student
that responds better to a more structured environment may not perform well in this type
of learning environment. Some students need the structure and specific direction that a
traditional classroom provides. Without structure some students may trail behind in class
and be unable to grasp the material. Too much freedom within the classroom could
provide students the opportunity to “goof off” and not complete the necessary work. As a
student, I am a very hands-on learner and perform well when I am involved in the
learning process. Being lectured in a classroom and required to read a textbook on my
own does not provide me with a learning environment that is best suited for my
educational needs. Being involved in the learning process allows me to grasp the content
and make connections with the material as my understanding and concepts build upon
one another. Another aspect of this learning environment that I would prefer, as a learner,
would be the integrated assessments that are completed by the students. Allowing myself
the opportunity to evaluate my work along the way would let me learn from my mistakes.
It would also allow me to adjust my learning environment to better fit my academic
needs, whether it is reaching out for support from the teacher or researching ways to
improve a design.

2. While this learning environment is different than a traditional school classroom, it
certainly supports the Child-Centered Teaching approach. With this type of approach, the
teacher remains a facilitator and authoritative model within the classroom; however, the
students remain an active role in the learning process. As the teacher instructs the
students, the students are able to demonstrate what they learn through the group work and
assignments they create. Through the assessments that are conducted during the year the
teacher is able to tailor the learning and comprehension of each student to best fit his or
her needs. In this manner, the teacher remains a resource to the students and facilitates an
Inquiry-Based type of learning. Along with the Child-Centered approach, Quest to Learn
uses active learning, gaming, experimental learning and problem-based learning as
teaching methods and strategies. With these methods and strategies, the students remain
an integral part of their educational journey and participate in many hands-on experiences
throughout their education. In regards to learning activities, Quest to Learn uses multiple
activities such as group work, group projects and presentations, classroom assessment
and feedback. With these activities the students learn to work together to problem solve
and present the information they have learned in the classroom. With group work and
presentations the students are able to display the knowledge they have gained and then
receive feedback in order to improve and further their educational development.
Quest to Learn, as a learning environment, was interesting to learn about as a part
of our ever-changing educational system. For many children within society today, this
type of learning environment suits their needs; however, other children may find this type
of learning environment difficult. It is important to understand the integration of
technology and digital media into the classroom and how this integration can positively
impact the educational journey for many children. The children in these videos enjoyed
learning and seemed to excel in their learning environment. As our society progresses to
a more tech-savvy era, in the end, each student should feel that they are able to excel
within their learning environment. Whether it represents Quest to Learn or a more
traditional classroom each student should be given the opportunity to academically
achieve within an environment that best suits his or her academic endeavors.