Week 2: Kelly Shamburg's Introduction to Learning Technologies Blog

 

Week 2

Authentic Intellectual Work (AIW):

Part 1: Authentic Intellectual Work/Authentic Instruction & Assessment

1. The Nature of Authentic Intellectual Work and Differences from Traditional Approaches

     Authentic Intellectual Work (AIW) is a way of teaching beyond memorizing and standardized tests. Instead, it focuses on practical applications and real-world tasks that challenge students to think critically and work together. AIW prepares students for the real world outside the classroom by emphasizing higher-order thinking and collaboration.

2. Components of Authentic Intellectual Work and Empirical Evidence

     The Authentic Intellectual Work framework includes three parts: "construction of knowledge," "disciplined inquiry," and "value beyond school." It has been demonstrated that students' critical thinking and comprehension improve when they participate in "disciplined inquiry," which includes looking at challenging issues. AIW principles say students' understanding deepens and stays with them longer when they actively build knowledge through real-world applications.

3. Specific Examples of Authentic Intellectual Work

     Students make a PSA during computer class to raise awareness of web ethics and safety, engaging in authentic intellectual work. Students research, script, film, and edit the PSA, showing collaboration and critical thinking. In this example, students engage in real-world activities and build digital citizenship skills. Their final product shows value beyond school.

Part 2: 2017 National Education Technology Plan Update

Connecting Technology Integration with Authenticity

     Although not explicitly tied to Authentic Intellectual Work, the 2017 NETP's "Learning: Engaging and Empowering Learning Through Technology" section offers opportunities to align with AIW components. For instance, a computer classroom studying "Introduction to Computers" would utilize technology to enhance authenticity. By labeling and categorizing input/output devices, students practice "constructing knowledge." The project supports "value beyond school" because students develop knowledge and skills that can be used at a future job. Exploring the internal components of a computer case and simulating their placement demonstrates "disciplined inquiry."

Part 3: Triple E Framework

The connection between AIW and Liz Kolb's Deep Dive

     The example mentioned in Part 2 of this blog combines Liz Kolb's Triple E Framework and the Authentic Intellectual Work (AIW) framework. It follows three principles: Engagement, Enhancement, and Extension. In this example, students learn by labeling devices, identifying internal components, and simulating the placement of components inside a computer. This hands-on approach keeps students engaged.

     Technology improves learning by allowing real-world situations to be simulated, such as the placement of internal components through virtual simulation, which enhances the learning process.

     With the knowledge students gain, they can handle real-world challenges. This extends their learning beyond the classroom and helps them develop problem-solving skills useful in the real world.  

References

King, M. B., Newmann, F. M., & Carmichael, D. L. (2009). Authentic Intellectual Work: Common Standards for Teaching Social Studies. Social Education, January/February 2009, 43–49. National Council for the Social Studies. https://www.socialstudies.org/authentic-intellectual-work-common-standards-teaching-social-studies

Kolb, L. (2020). LEARNING FIRST, TECHNOLOGY SECOND IN PRACTICE: new strategies, research and tools for student succes s. International Society for Technology in Education.

LINCS. (2017). Reimagining the Role of Technology in Education: 2017 National Education Technology Plan Update. LINCS | Adult Education and Literacy | U.S. Department of Education; U.S. Department of Education. https://lincs.ed.gov/professional-development/resource-collections/profile-902#:~:text=The%20National%20Education%20Technology%20Plan