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Accelerating Learning

By Norton Gusky posted 09-13-2024 12:49

  

Even though Generative AI is the elephant in the room, I think we need to really think about what accelerates learning. Deep learning occurs when we have a sense of purpose and agency. We need to start with a focus on student interests, strengths, and values.

Based on these underlying elements several of the Accelerators in the list stand out. For the past ten years I've been involved in a number of Design Challenges for secondary students. Each of these events rockets students along paths that align with their interests. Students work on projects that address the U.N. Sustainability Goals. Each team identifies a problem or issue in their community. Along the way students interact with professionals and learn about the skills and competencies that they will need for their future careers. The students develop amazing projects that go beyond anything they might do in a "typical classroom." This is real Accelerated Learning. The technology is not as important as the process. Giving students a direct link to the Real World is a tremendous motivator. Most students use a variety of technology tools for their research as well as their final products, but it's their choice that is the key. Like people working in the "real world" it's imperative for our learners to determine the best way to communicate their findings. Developing business and community career connections accelerates the student's learning and sense of agency. Students see a purpose for what they're doing. 

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09-24-2024 11:41

Norton, Thinking about your thoughts here, we need to start…

Building robust connections for career pathways and authentic learning experiences for students, including internships at companies, partnerships with universities, and other opportunities that are part of a learning ecosystem.

Evolving computational thinking skills development to incorporate fundamental understandings of AI, machine learning and robotics K-20 as these are increasingly blended technologies and tools.

Grow student agency and human interaction skills, including self-efficacy, cognitive skills, management skills and creativity while working with others. This could be aligned to the World Economic Forum future of jobs work. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/05/future-of-jobs-2023-skills/

Looking forward to the discussion on this.

Ed