Engaging children in design thinking through transmedia narrative (RTP)

Abstract

This paper presents the implementation of Imaginative Education (IE) pedagogy for creating a transmedia learning environment that engages children in learning about engineering design. IE uses narrative to engage learners' imaginations; helps them master the cognitive tools necessary for progressing to higher levels of understanding; and helps them structure what they learn in meaningful ways. Included in the paper is an introduction to IE pedagogy and the use of transmedia in education; an overview of the online learning environment called Through My Window (TMW) that we have developed for middle school children; and a detailed look at a learning adventure on engineering design called Trapped in Time. Assessment data collected by external evaluators shows that TMW positively impacted student interest in engineering and increased STEM identity. Preliminary results for the Trapped in Time learning adventure indicate improved understanding of engineering design.