Monitor Newsletter December 11, 1989

Official Publication of Bowling Green State University for Faculty and Staffhttps://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/monitor/1996/thumbnail.jp

In-Game Minecraft Quests for Elementary Education

As elementary school students become more tech-savvy, they may expect more out of an education presentation. This paper presents methods to modify a popular game, Minecraft, to include educational elements. Two specific modifications demonstrating math concepts were completed and shown to adults. Surveys indicate that Minecraft playing adults feel the additional elements included in these modifications could be beneficial to students

Studying Transfer of Learning using a Brain-Inspired Spiking Neural Network in the Context of Learning a New Programming Language

Transfer of learning (TL) has been an important research area for scholars, educators, and cognitive psychologists for over a century. However, it is not yet understood why applying existing knowledge and skills in a new context does not always follow expectations, and how to facilitate the activation of prior knowledge to enable TL. This research uses cognitive load theory (CLT) and a neuroscience approach in order to investigate the relationship between cognitive load and prior knowledge in the context of learning a new programming language. According to CLT, reducing cognitive load improves memory performance and may lead to better retention and transfer performance. A number of different frequency-based features of EEG data may be used for measuring cognitive load. This study focuses on analysing spatio-temporal brain data (STBD) gathered experimentally using an EEG device. An SNN based computational architecture, NeuCube, was used to create a brain-like computation model and visualise the neural connectivity and spike activity patterns formed when an individual is learning a new programming language. The results indicate that cognitive load and the associated Theta and Alpha band frequencies can be used as a measure of the TL process and, more specifically, that the neuronal connectivity and spike activity patterns visualised in the NeuCube model can be interpreted with reference to the brain activities associated with the TL process

Computer Programming Effects in Elementary: Perceptions and Career Aspirations in STEM

The development of elementary-aged students’ STEM and computer science (CS) literacy is critical in this evolving technological landscape, thus, promoting success for college, career, and STEM/CS professional paths. Research has suggested that elementary- aged students need developmentally appropriate STEM integrated opportunities in the classroom; however, little is known about the potential impact of CS programming and how these opportunities engender positive perceptions, foster confidence, and promote perseverance to nurture students’ early career aspirations related to STEM/CS. The main purpose of this mixed-method study was to examine elementary-aged students’ (N = 132) perceptions of STEM, career choices, and effects from pre- to post-test intervention of CS lessons (N = 183) over a three-month period. Findings included positive and significant changes from students’ pre- to post-tests as well as augmented themes from 52 student interviews to represent increased enjoyment of CS lessons, early exposure, and its benefits for learning to future careers