DIY LEARNING
OVERVIEW
This section consists of an in-depth look at a mobile DIY case: DIY The Social Learning App for Kids (DIY TSLAK) We will explore its concept, functionality, and features, and establish connections with learning theories present in its design. We will also explore how the learning approach differs from traditional methods, mobility affordances, and how administrators ensure the app is used safely.
40 min (reading + video)
DIY - The Social Learning App for Kids (DIY TSLAK), is a website and app created by Vimeo co-founder Zach Klein. It is the largest global interest-based community where kids interact with each other and learn various types of skills through an extensive collection of 'Do It Yourself' instructional videos. Currently, DIY TSLAK users are children from more than 170 countries and more than 2 million projects have been shared (DIY TSLAK, 2022)
DIY TSLAK is a demonstration of the effective application of various learning theories, which creates meaningful learning experiences that aid the development of 21 Century soft and hard skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, information literacy, media literacy, and digital citizenship. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the learning theories that are at the foundation of DIY.
The DIY TSLAK learning ecosystem and functionality represent a learning approach that differs from traditional learning. For example, flexibility is an essential part of the DIY TSLAK learning experience, meaning that kids are not limited to a physical space (the classroom) to learn, develop skills, and share with others. Similarly, the experience is student-centred, as kids are not limited to following a specific curriculum, but can choose learning experiences based on their unique interests. Also, DIY TSLAK promotes project-based learning in which the student is encouraged to step away from a passive position and take control of their learning in a creative and constructive way.
DIY TSLAK is largely accessed on mobiles, making it a great example of a positive expression of the mobile culture. Most of the content that children access on mobiles usually consists of Youtube videos or single-player games. Through these, children can’t experience participation and collaboration on a global scale as adults do through mobile technologies, nor they’re able to find a channel for personal or creative expression, as teenagers and adults do through social media (Olanoff, 2012). DIY TSLAK fills this gap, allowing children to engage in more meaningful activities through mobile phones, as well as to develop a sense of digital citizenship from an early age.
The DIY TSLAK Community is supervised by community moderators 7 days a week. DIY TSLAK has a zero tolerance policy for bullying, and strictly enforce their Community Guidelines to keep the community safe, welcoming and appropriate for kids of all ages (DIY TSLAK, 2022).
To ensure kid’s privacy, DIY TSLAK complies with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
SIMILAR APPS
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Go Bubble
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Many students around the world use social media on platforms designed for adults. GoBubble is a kinder and safer platform that has content checked before it appears. It is designed by ex-police and rewards kindness so you get rewarded for the likes you give rather than the likes you get.
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A DIY learning activity for you to complete and reflect on your experience considering the information and ideas you have explored on this website. You'll be asked to share a DIY creation along with a reflection on a Padlet.