After reading through the assigned reading for Unit 4 on Cases on Objects, I would have to say that the modules have some similarities and some differences. A similarity between Case-Based learning and Cognitive Flexibility Theory is that they are both case based. I also feel that they also merge a majority of the same ideas. Both involve real-life scenarios, available resources and stories. These modules also involve the use of background knowledge. The level of background knowledge on a topic can influence the work that someone completes on these assignments. At the end of these modules, students should be better at critical thinking skills such as making a decision. One of the biggest differences between the two modules, in my opinion, is that Case-based learning seems to be more structured. In Cognitive-Flexibility students use more of their own opinions, and previous cases to form ideas and thoughts around a certain topic. There is flexibility in their work. I also feel that learning objects could be adapted to fit almost any of the modules we worked with this year because information can be presented in specific lengths that would be appropriate depending on the group of learners.
After learning about these modules, my first and main thought is, "WOW!" I feel that these modules and ideas would be better applied to middle school students. As an elementary teacher, I can't imagine the time it would take to set up something like the plantation letters that we worked through. Time is a teachers worse enemy so I feel they would be more beneficial if I were only planning for a certain subject area such as Social Studies and not having to plan all subjects. I also feel that students who are in middle school/early high school are starting to really understand how to make decisions, form opinions, and investigate answers on their own. These modules might be a little hard and overwhelming for younger and more immature students.
I'm not sure if I would use these modules with my group of students this year. I have a lot of behavior problems and students who don't have critical thinking skills. Although these modules would be beneficial, I think they would work best for the Enrichment students in 5th grade. The population I work with lack a lot of basic computer skills so I feel like this module would be too much for them. The only way I could really modify these modules would be to limit the amount of information I included within each module and giving the students a tutorial on HOW they were going to complete the assignment.
One of the biggest tools I think that could be used for these modules would be LiveBinder. Teachers can include certain pages for students to visit and they look like binder tabs. I could also see students using a NING like we did, GoogleDocs, Document Viewers, and blogs. Available resources are important for these modules so it would be beneficial to have access to information and document share software.
