Technology-Supported Activities in a Bridge-Building Challenge

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Improving Technology Practices Through Innovative Design and Integration Methods

Abstract

This study investigated technologies/tools used to support students’ activities in a bridge-building challenge in an eight-week afterschool setting with 4th to 6th graders. It examined how technologies were used to support bridge designs and bridge-building from the perspective of enabling students’ design and problem-solving activities. Videotaped group activities revealed varied technology and tool usage, which was critical for students to accomplish their design tasks. The use of some devices or tools, such as the earthquake shake table also enabled students to perform certain tasks like professional engineers. Students’ reactions to technology-supported learning experiences were analyzed though focus group interviews. Implications for using technology to support students’ engineering design activities, as well as for technology supported learning will be discussed.

Authors

• Dazhi Yang, Boise State University

• Yibo Fan, Boise State University

• William Stewart, Boise State University

• Yu-Hui Ching, Boise State University

• Youngkyun Baek, Boise State University