Identity Accelerator #12: The Balloon Exercise

Introduction

This activity was originally conceptualized as a face-to-face, whiteboard activity: The Magic Balloon.

The basic idea is that there are two groups of students in the class. One must protect the balloon; the other will try to pop the balloon.

Modalities

• Synchronous (primary) – Use these activities to engage the learner while waiting for others to arrive or for others to resolve their technical issues.

Preparation and instructor responsibilities

1. The instructor draws a balloon on the whiteboard screen.
2. The instructor divides the participants into two groups
   • Group 1 – protect the balloon
   • Group 2 – pop the balloon
3. Group 2 goes first and must draw something on screen that they can use to pop the balloon (for example, a pin).
4. Group 1 responds by drawing something to prevent the pin from popping the balloon.
5. The groups take turns.
6. After 5 minutes or so, end the activity. (Set a time limit at the beginning.)
7. Debrief: review the methods of each group. If possible connect the exercise to notions of creativity, problem solving, thinking outside the box, or something related to the class.

Comments

I tried this at the beginning of an instructional design class. The students enjoyed the activity; it was a fun way to start the class. I was able to connect it to the notion of creativity and problem solving in the context of instructional design. For other course topics, connecting the activity might be challenging.

Rating

3.5/5 stars

Note: for an introduction to identity accelerators for online teaching and learning visit this entry

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