I had the opportunity to attend a Faculty Development Program which involved working with a software called salesforce.com. While most FDPs are lazy affairs where you attend the sessions without much involvement. The sessions are usually in lecture mode. The post lunch sessions are the worst as the food along with the monologue lends itself to a half asleep mode.
But surprisingly this one was different. We had to work with this new software and the learning was in the form of trails. We had to complete modules to earn points. When we completed each module we were congratulated ( by the system of course) and we could move on to the next module. At the end of a series of modules we won a super badge. Then we go on to completion of challenges at the end of which you reach the rank of an "Explorer".
It was hard but exciting, with periods of elation and frustration....There was no dull moment... We had to make our breaks short so we could get back to the 'trail'.
While most Faculty came expecting a relaxed FDP at the end of which they go back with a certificate, they were in for a surprise....No one earns a certificate just by attending the program.
Attending this FDP set me thinking about education and learning. Inspite of all that we know about the millenials; we still teach them through lectures, case studies and test them through typical paper and pencil tests.
What is required is gamification of learning- learning made exciting and fun like the FDP I attended.
The learning is by doing, which is the best type of learning according to Blooms.
There is a need for a radical change in the way we teach these kids...
But surprisingly this one was different. We had to work with this new software and the learning was in the form of trails. We had to complete modules to earn points. When we completed each module we were congratulated ( by the system of course) and we could move on to the next module. At the end of a series of modules we won a super badge. Then we go on to completion of challenges at the end of which you reach the rank of an "Explorer".
It was hard but exciting, with periods of elation and frustration....There was no dull moment... We had to make our breaks short so we could get back to the 'trail'.
While most Faculty came expecting a relaxed FDP at the end of which they go back with a certificate, they were in for a surprise....No one earns a certificate just by attending the program.
Attending this FDP set me thinking about education and learning. Inspite of all that we know about the millenials; we still teach them through lectures, case studies and test them through typical paper and pencil tests.
What is required is gamification of learning- learning made exciting and fun like the FDP I attended.
The learning is by doing, which is the best type of learning according to Blooms.
There is a need for a radical change in the way we teach these kids...
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