Artefact 4: Learning through Teaching

 

    In this course, we were asked to independently learn a technology and then teach or guide a classmate. I chose Miro for this task because the software offers a wide range of useful applications such as mind maps, flow charts, Kanban boards, and many other tools. Previously, when working in my organization, I had to use different applications to work with these tools. However, in this lesson, my teacher introduced me to Miro, a platform that integrates all the tools I had used before. This was very convenient and helped me save time and effort when collaborating, organizing, and sharing information effectively. making it more convenient for managing and sharing information.

    Miro is a collaborative online software that facilitates effective teamwork through a digital whiteboard. Designed to support virtual meetings, workshops, and group projects, Miro provides a creative and flexible workspace with a variety of visual tools. Using Miro, users can create, share, and edit digital whiteboards, brainstorm ideas, organize plans, and store information. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to add text, images, videos, sticky notes, and various visual diagrams to illustrate ideas. Miro also integrates with many other tools such as Google Drive, making it more convenient for managing and sharing information.

    Moreover, Miro offers features like mind mapping, flow diagrams, and group notes, making it a valuable tool for remote teams who need to interact and collaborate effectively in an online environment. This makes it especially useful for teams working on complex projects that require visual organization, brainstorming, and real-time collaboration. For me, I particularly like the Kanban tool because it aligns with my work habits both in my personal life and in the office, where I guide my staff in maintaining transparent workflows. My company has implemented this method in our operations, and it has been very effective. The challenge was using sticky notes of various colors and placing them on large boards at the office. However, using this tool on Miro would have been very beneficial because it would have saved a lot of effort and time by leveraging technology more effectively.

    Before guiding a classmate on how to use this software, I documented the use of Miro by using the mind map, which is also one of the most useful tools.

    At the beginning, I had a few challenges because it was my first time using this software. I had to read the instructions and go through tasks on the platform. Although I wasn’t fully proficient, I was able to understand enough to introduce and guide a classmate in using this software. As a result, they understood how to use the software and could immediately start creating a mind map. I was very happy that I could not only understand it myself but also introduce Miro and help my classmate apply it successfully.

    For me, teaching others is the highest level of learning. It is a powerful educational strategy that not only reinforces knowledge but also enhances various cognitive and social skills. Research by Fiorella and Mayer (2013) suggests that when students teach others, they organize and synthesize information at a deeper level, which improves their understanding and retention of the material. This approach requires them to explain concepts clearly, anticipate questions, and address misunderstandings, thereby promoting critical thinking and communication skills. Moreover, it encourages active engagement with the material, as students must think about how to effectively convey their knowledge to others. This method not only deepens students' understanding but also boosts their confidence in using what they have learned in practical, real-world situations.

References:

Fiorella, L., & Mayer, R. E. (2013). The relative benefits of learning by teaching and teaching expectancy. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 38(4), 281-288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2013.06.001