Designing a Grounded Embodied Mental Model Learning Environment Assignment

Designing a Grounded Embodied Mental Model Learning Environment - Assignment Example The paper contains answers to a number of questions in which the Grounded Embodied Mental model learning environment has been investigated. The topic chosen for the design of the learning environment is the mathematical branch called arithmetic. It was found that the GEMM learning environment can be very appropriate in helping the student to master the simple arithmetic procedures. Arithmetic involves counting and adding up of things as it happens to be applicable in many spheres of life. It is the oldest branch in mathematics. The grounded embodied learning environment is one that provides the student with the right objects to apply the lessons they learn. It should allow them to have physical manipulation of these objects as well as the use of gestures in learning. The content of learning gets meaning from the use of these physical objects. It is no longer based on concept visualization without seeing or handling anything. Gestures have a role they play in changing the knowledge of the child. This happens directly on the cognitive state of the child or indirectly by affecting the child’s communicative environment. Agents are also important in learning because they make the lesson more realistic. Examples include robots and video games which make learning more interesting and easy to master. Students are motivated by the GEMM since it is a more interesting way of learning that reduces boredom. Using gestures and manipulating physical objects in the learning environment is very entertaining and can increase motivation. ... ognitive learning environment is critical; to enable the student to use the other body senses such as touch in order to learn (Lakoff and   Rafael 200).   Description of the grounded environment and how it would make the content more meaningful The GEMM learning environment has physical objects that should be used by the students. It involves gestures which are expected to make understanding better than if they were not there. This is the main difference with the ordinary learning setting. The physical objects such as computers are expected to help the student to learn. The student manipulates these objects to create a better understanding of the abstract concepts being taught (Greeno, & Moore, 210). The arithmetic learning environment consists of a number of equipment and parts such as natural user interfaces. These are of two types thus; free interfaces and the touch use interfaces. In the touch use interface the user has to directly touch the device and a single touch could be appropriate such as the SMART Board or multi touch such as SMART iPhone, table, surface or iPad. Free form interfaces with gestures don’t need the user to handle the device like the kinect Microsoft project. The gestural controller and touch screen mechanics have 3 parts which are an actuator, comparator and sensor. Bodily rooted knowledge has perception processes that have an effect on conceptual thinking. Researchers in the area of embodiment and cognition discovered that there exists a compatibility effect between the physical state of a person and his mental state. Physical touch and movement enhance the learning of a student. When children involve their hands in learning they develop knowledge and brain connections through the movement. When children make use of compatible actions for