Can Competition Create a Positive and Safe Learning Environment?

      For the last post, I focused on women in technology. I have learned that there are several programs and tools to encourage girls and women to excel and advance their skills in technology. This is beneficial, since women can change their perception of technology and science fields. Women often feel discouraged from pursing computer science and technology based fields, as society portrays these jobs as positions for men. This ideal can change through positive reinforcement, and encouragement for women to pursue the same careers. In the first article I read, the authors discuss a "new program, called E.X.I.T.E.,  [which] focuses on teaching the girls project management skills and teamwork through incorporating a variety of educational technologies" (Haglund, Nordstrom, Smith, 2008, pg. 24). Within this group, a week long camp was designed for girls to improve and develop project management skills, specifically using technology. It is critical that women are taught technological skills from a young age, as it builds confidence. If women are exposed to technology at a young age, they will feel confident pursuing math, science, and more technical fields. In the second article I read, the author discusses, "The Michigan Council of Women in Technology (MCWT), an organization which helps support women pursing technological careers" (Candela, 2012, pg. 32). As a result of this organization, a teacher felt compelled to create a contest for her web design students. This was beneficial in creating a competitive, contest driven environment, which encouraged students to create their best work.

      I believe both styles of teaching were beneficial, as they create high self esteem and a sense of pride in one's work. For instance, creating a camp through the E.X.I.T.E. program, designed for women to learn about technology through project management, builds confidence. The girls were able to develop management skills, while developing their technological understanding. A week long, intensive program is beneficial for improving any skill, as students are able to lock in on a certain task. In this camp, "students are expected to complete these projects to a certain standard. However students are often not provided the tools and skills needed to successfully manage projects" (Haglund, Norstrom, Smith, 2008, pg. 24). This is an excellent method of learning, as it promotes critical thinking, as well as independent thought. Both of these are positive skills in order to be self sufficient in the working world. Teaching students to be proactive will help them develop leadership skills, to eventually become managers. I agree that project management is not taught enough in schools, and hence students have trouble managing their own tasks, without specific direction. In my own classroom, I would incorporate technological skills through project management. For instance, I would have students create a "Scratch the Cat" video through MIT. This will promote critical thinking, digital understanding, and project management skills. I would also be able to walk around and assist students through their learning. This allows students to work at their own pace, and to achieve their own goals they set for themselves. On the other hand, contests are a positive learning strategy. It encourages students to "take pride in their work" (Candela, 2012, pg. 32). I believe some competition can be a beneficial factor in creating work that best represents oneself. When all eyes are on you, you tend to show the best version of yourself. "Kids [also] want meaning", and are able to achieve this through contest based learning. (Candela, 2012, pg. 32). Creating an assignment solely for the teacher to grade, does not create enough meaning. If students are competing for 1st place, or to teach their fellow peers, they may find more value and sense of fulfillment. I would incorporate competition and contest into the classroom by having students design their own website through Weebly on a specific topic, such as volcanoes. Students would display their project on the topic in a viewing party and would walk around to rate their peer's work. This could be based on layout and content, etc. The websites will remain anonymous, so that the competition is fair. This promotes learning, since students will be motivated to produce the best work to impress their peers, while creating something they are proud of at the same time.

Work Cited:

Haglund, A., Nordstrom, B., & Smith, C. (2008). "Getting Girls E.X.I.T.E.D. About Project
      Management" Learning and Leading with Technology, 41(4), 24-26.

Candela, T. (2012). "Entering Contests Inspires Students!" Learning and Leading with Technology, 
      41(7), 32-32.