Designs for Learning - Stephanie

Designs for Learning

"Csikszentmihalyi and Hermanson (1995) characterize ideal learning at exhibits as initially driven by curiosity and interest, and then sustained via a “flow” state, in which visitors become fully involved with mind and body in an intrinsically motivated activity."

When I read this sentence, I immediately thought of the Roll It Wall at MOXI. I think that the roll it wall does a perfect job of achieving this "ideal learning". Although many people may not reach the "flow" state, many others do! People see the wall and are perplexed and driven to explore the possibilities. But, when they try out a track, built by themselves or left by others, often some part of it is unsuccessful. I think that because it's so fun, people aren't discouraged by the failure and that is why they are driven to fix the problems. MOXI has a lot of exhibits that do this but I feel that I see the "flow" happen most often on the Roll It Wall.