Hi there readers! Today in ECI, we began to build a Piper computer. Yes, you heard that right, a computer!! In teams of 2 or 3 students, we received a Piper kit with lots of pieces, screws, cords, and a battery.
The only resources we were given for help were the pictures on the box, and a blueprint with images only to follow. There were no written instructions which creates a challenge, yet makes this a universal tool and something people of all ages can complete, perhaps with some assistance. When my instructor first told my class we would be building a computer, I automatically thought, “There is no way I will be able to complete that. My mind just doesn’t work in that way”. However, once I started I really began to get the hang of it. I have never used a screwdriver so much in my lifetime! Additionally, I learned that having fingernails as long as mine are a real handicap in hands on activities, but I still managed!
Now let’s move on to the 4 C’s and how they can be applied to building a Piper computer. Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration, AKA as the 4 C’s, are qualities which are essential for students of modern society.
Creativity:
“Creativity” from pixabay.
Creativity can also be thought of as thinking outside the box. While completing the Piper computer, we had to think outside of the box (both literally and figuratively) by coming up with numerous ways to complete each step, in case the first way wouldn’t work correctly. Creativity was essential because each member of our team thought somewhat in a different way. That way, we were able to look at a potential problem from numerous perspectives. I think that as a teacher it is important to establish a sense of creativity in your students and encourage them to do things differently than their peers! The world would be so boring if everyone thought the same way, so it is essential for them to embrace their differences. This can be difficult, as everyone has the desire to fit in with one another, but I will push my students by words of encouragement.
Critical Thinking:
“Inventor” by pixabay
Critical Thinking is the process by which people solve problems. This is a step beyond just learning! We used this with our computers by figuring out how to put the pieces together using the diagram, which wasn’t very detail oriented. Sometimes with the vague outline, we had to use trial and error with different pieces in order to figure out if it was correct or not. This could take some time so we had to remain patient. I will use critical thinking in my classroom by creating a process for everyone in the class to follow when faced with a problem. They should face the problem with a sense of confidence, and create multiple solutions to solve the problem at hand. This way, if one solution doesn’t work, they are less apt to become frustrated and give up.
“All good things come to those who wait” by giphy
Communication:
“communication” by pixabay
Communication is essential for getting just about anything accomplished, especially when working with a group! We were forced to communicate in order to put each piece of the computer together. If we needed someone to hold the screw while we used the screwdriver we had to tell the other group members. Additionally, if we felt as though we had a different idea on how to do something we had to speak up! I hope that my future classroom environment will be one in which students feel comfortable talking. I will establish this by making it known that they’re not less intelligent if they have questions, and won’t be judged if they answer a question incorrectly. I think that this comfort is so significant in creating a supportive, and inclusive classroom community.
Collaboration:
“Collaboration” by pixabay
STOP. Collaborate and listen. Okay, I’m sorry. I had to!!! Anyways collaborating is working together with others to reach a common goal. In the case of the computers, I honestly don’t think they could be completed without collaboration. Whether that be helping to hold a piece so someone else could put it together, or someone being in charge of having the screws ready for when you needed them, it was necessary to work entirely together for this project. A lot of times people confuse the terms “cooperate” and “collaborate”. Think of cooperating as “you do this, I do that, and we meet at the end”, whereas with collaborating, it is continually give and take between group members. In my classroom one day, students might find this challenging as sometimes people have different work ethics. I will help them overcome this challenge by recognizing the difference in cooperating and collaborating and supporting them to collaborate! Here is a short video where one character wants to cooperate whereas the other is a collaborator. See if you can tell which one is which. 🙂
“Spongebob teamwork song” by Sin Tak on Youtube
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