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In the year 2001 I joined the
Learning Environments
research group in Media Lab UIAH and got deeply involved
in design for CSCL (Computer Supported Collaborative Learning). As my
final work
(.pdf version) in
Master's program I did the User Interface design for the
Fle3 web
based learning environment that was built on progressive inquiry pedagogical
model and ideas provided by pedagogical partner researchers. My most important
goal was to help the users to understand the underlying pedagogy through the
design of the system and support the teachers/tutors in directing student
interactions towards more desirable learning goals.
At the same time our research group participated in
ITCOLE (Innovative
Technologies for Collaborative Learning) European project that was initiated
to draw theoretical research in CSCL, technology and school practices closer
to each other. The project brought together different organizations and working
practices, people with various backgrounds, interests and expectations to one
multidisciplinary and multinational project in order to develop a Pan-European
CSCL system. Trying to find a common ground and shared understanding among
different partners in the project was a challenge and a very valuable experience.
Since my most important goal was to make pedagogical ideas visible through
the design of the system, naturally I got introduced and eventually quite
familiar with current issues in the fields of educational sciences and
cognitive psychology. At the same time during my studies in Media Lab UIAH,
I was widening my perspective in philosophy of technology, cultural studies
in digital media, collaborative and participatory design. I also enhanced
my writing and abstract reasoning skills. During last few years I have been
writing several articles, participating in two CSCL conferences and having
a poster presentation in one of them.
What I personally learned during my work in Media Lab is the ability to do
individual self-motivated work, pursue self-risen goals and at the same time
contribute to the research group's work. I noticed that general curiosity and
willingness to learn new things is very beneficial for working in digital media. I learned
to keep my eyes and ears open for different types of information from various
sources and in that sense the distinction between my work and free time has become
quite vague in my everyday life. During last couple of years in Media Lab I also
gained strong
belief in values and understood the
importance of collaborative and constructivist learning.
I believe that
through education we should encourage people's active involvement in
questioning and creation of participatory media rather than passive consumption
of traditional media.
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