Blog #2
AIW, Technology, and Kolb
Part 1: Authentic Intellectual Work/Authentic Instruction
and Assessment
The nature of AIW (Authentic Intellectual Work) is one of
meaning and complexity. It demands that students learn original application of
knowledge and skills that will have importance beyond their school years. AIW
is a completely different type of learning then the usual traditional and even
superficial types of learning that teachers tend to utilize, and students tend
to “take in.” This more common type of
learning often leaves some students bored, and even unmotivated. I do think
that there are some skills and that need to be taught in a more traditional
way. Multiplication rote skills for example are important in that they can help
students to figure out difficult math concepts quicker, as well as improve
memory. However, AIW is different in that it utilized the characteristics of what
is called construction of knowledge that uses disciplined inquiry to enable students
to create and master learning that will follow them throughout their lives.
The components of AIW include construction of knowledge, disciplined
inquiry, and value beyond the school. Disciplined inquiry requires that
students use prior knowledge within academics or a specific field of study. This
can include vocabulary, theories, even basic facts. Another aspect of disciplined
inquiry involves an in-depth understanding of the knowledge. This will help
students to acquire an extensive comprehension of specific problems. Lastly,
there must be what is referred to as elaborated communication. This involves resources
such as graphic, visual, and even verbal aids that add details and other forms
of refinement to written, and verbal communication.
Part 2: 2017 National Educational Technology Plan Update
To connect technology integration practices with the components
of AIW, the 2017 National Education Technology Plan Update discusses the importance
of our students maintaining our global competitiveness, by ensuring that our
schools produce citizens who are competent in “critical thinking, problem
solving, collaboration,” and the ability to integrate multimedia communication into
traditional academic content. Our students should be able to establish a “sense
of agency” in their learning. An example I use in the classroom is Imagine
Learning. This is a reading program that works like a video game. Most video
learning games require tapping on buttons to move through the game. However,
Imagine Learning works well in that it requires speaking while reading. It also
gives instant feedback. I teach seventh grade Multilingual Learners and they
love this program. This is an authentic instructional work, because it helps
improve reading and speaking in English, which will be a resource they will always
use. Imagine Learning also connects with the WIDA Standards of speaking,
listening, and reading.
Part 3 Triple E Framework
The connection between the AIW framework and Kolb’s is that through the “Deep Dive into Enhancement,” that it supports the concept of learning to read, speak and even comprehend in English easier for them. This is just an additional support to their reading, writing, speaking, and listening standards to help them to become proficient in English. I have even found that if I treat it as a game, then they too treat it as a game. It has become a reward for them after a long week of learning new concepts.
Jenn, I had never thought about how Imagine Learning is both AIW and technology integrated. Probably because I had not read the Authentic Intellectual Work document until now. However, when the students have speak to advance in the game that is completely authentic. Speaking when learning a new language is the most difficult and the students seem to lose inhibitions because they value the gamification aspects. Great job!
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteHey there! I also teach seventh grade English in Oklahoma! However, I am in a private school setting. I'm originally from Missouri--another great place to live! We'll have to chat sometime about seventh grade English!
I have never heard of the Imagine Learning program that you talked about in your post. I'm going to go and look it up! I have a few different students that could possibly benefit from a program like that. As a teacher, it is my heart's desire to equip students to be successful as best as I can. I love when I hear of some new technology available to help students with different things. This sounds like it could potentially help in that way!
I think that helping students be able to read well is definitely something that adds value to them beyond the school. Whether they want to or not, they are going to read the rest of their lives. I remember having a student inform me that he was not ever going to have to read once he was done with school. I explained to him the fact that he was going to likely find himself reading his phone for social media or the street signs around town to go somewhere. He couldn't argue with that very much! If anything, being proficient in reading is something that will add value to a student's life far after their time in the traditional classroom has ended.
Hello! I really enjoyed your post and find the Imagine Learning program interesting. I would think that the requirement of speaking instead of the use of a controller would help tremendously in developing speech skills while still having fun. I know that as a student myself, I would find the instant feedback very appealing. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete