While completing coursework for the Learning, Design, and Technology program I have had the opportunity to work on several unique projects within my field of Outdoor Education. Functioning prototypes were made for projects such as: search and rescue protocols, first aid retention tool, and curriculum development in using tech in the back country. Going forward there are two main research topics I am interested in.
My primary research goal is to continue to develop my training program for search and rescue using Lego's. I have created an in depth training that is focused on problem based learning to acquire awareness of the process of finding a missing person. I have now conducted 4 beta tests of this program and will continue to streamline the design. The culmination of my research methods course will result in a research proposal that I intend to carry out in the future at my next institution.
The second of my research ideas involves a table top board game I have been building called Spatium Mechanicus. This game is designed to be fun and strategic while simultaneously teaching micro electronics. As an educational game, I am interested in doing research on how traditional gamers will respond to this paradigm shift in their personal gaming habits. Coming out of a 2 hour board game session having learned how circuits, resistors, Led's, and other small motors work but also scoring points and battling friends could change the way educational games are viewed in the industry.
My primary research goal is to continue to develop my training program for search and rescue using Lego's. I have created an in depth training that is focused on problem based learning to acquire awareness of the process of finding a missing person. I have now conducted 4 beta tests of this program and will continue to streamline the design. The culmination of my research methods course will result in a research proposal that I intend to carry out in the future at my next institution.
The second of my research ideas involves a table top board game I have been building called Spatium Mechanicus. This game is designed to be fun and strategic while simultaneously teaching micro electronics. As an educational game, I am interested in doing research on how traditional gamers will respond to this paradigm shift in their personal gaming habits. Coming out of a 2 hour board game session having learned how circuits, resistors, Led's, and other small motors work but also scoring points and battling friends could change the way educational games are viewed in the industry.