The Model Gallery: Supporting Idea Diffusion in Computational Modeling Activities

• In Event: 26.081 - Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: 26.081-9 - Advanced Technologies for Learning Poster Session

Abstract

We proposed that to facilitate the sharing of ideas in computational modeling activities models should first be easily sharable, and a tool for viewing, running, and critiquing models should be made available to students. In this paper we describe an innovation we call the “model gallery” for allowing students to present, discuss, and share both full computational artifacts as well as component features and ideas. Using data from one classroom using the models library we present evidence of non-standard ideas becoming commonplace across a classroom and argue that the regularity of these unique designs, their increased usage over time, and the presence of student critiques iterating these designs suggest the models gallery may be responsible for idea diffusion.

Authors

• Nathan Holbert, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Corey Brady, Northwestern University

• Firat Soylu, The University of Alabama

• Michael Novak, Northwestern University

• Uri J. Wilensky, Northwestern University