Concept Map Engagement Theory

The above mindmap is my analysis of the learning design framework "Engagement Theory" (Kearsley & Shneiderman). From the learning theories discussed namely:

• The Bix 6 (Eisenberg & Berkowitz)
  
• TPCK (Mishra & Koehler)
  
• Engagement Theory (Kearsley & Shneiderman)
  
• Dimensions of Learning (Marzano & Pickering)
  
• Productive Pedagogies (Education Queensland)
  
• QCAR framework (Essential Learnings) (Qld Studies Authority)

I have chosen "Engagement Theory" as the learning design that I feel would be most suitable for digital learning design. As outlined above the framework considers three components:

1. Relate - students work in a collaborative team and develop team skills using ICT including email; webconferencing; wiki's; chat rooms; to communicate ideas and thinking around a problem based project.




2. Create - students work to develop skills and find a solution to a problem through use of ICT, the students identify it as a purposeful activity and not merely a 'school activity'.




3. Donate - students make a valuable contribution to the team whilst learning, the problem must be one related to the 'real world' that the students can identify with outside the school, thus creating an authentic learning experience where skills learned can be 'adapted' to real life problems that assist students to make decisions in their daily lives.

The "Engagement Theory" also incorporates ideals found in other learning designs (Productive Pedagogies; Essential Learnings and Dimensions of Learning) which shows its adaptability to inclusion of ICT across the Learning Management stream and into the classroom through cross curricular activities in the curriculum.

Plus: It is an adaptable tool that can be used across the curriculum. It has focus of engagement on meaningful and real-world learning activities that students can relate to in their day to day living, which is consistent with the Essential Learnings and the proposals in the new Australian Curriculum And Reporting Authority (ACARA) from the MCEETYA Conference (Melbourne 2008). It also provides the opportunity for ICT skills developed in one KLA to be used or adapted for different purposes depending on the problem based project. It appears simple to implement and can be used in conjunction with other pedagogical framework already in place (eg Productive Pedagogies; Dimensions of Learning).

Minus: At this stage, I could not forsee any problems until I used the framework in a Unit Plan or lesson.

Improve Interesting Implement: I would use this framework on unit plans already in place to enhance the ICT content. It could be used across the curriculum on an problem based project. It encourages the students to discover, use, implement, expand, their knowledge through using hands on ICT whilst working in a group to problem solve. Obviously basic ICT skills would be required however it would also provide opportunity for effective feedback to students as they became more confident in its use.

What I think: I suspect that this is the framework that the current Managing E-Learning course is built around. I will definately be using this as part of my studies and in the classrooms. What do you think?

References:

Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (2008) Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. Retrieved March 10, 2010 from: http://www.curriculum.edu.au/verve/_resources/National_Declaration_on_the_Educational_Goals_for_Young_Australians.pdf

Mishra, P. & Koehler, M (2006). Technological pedagogical content knowledge: A framework for teacher knowledge. Retrieved on 15/07/2010 from http://site.aace.org/pubs/sigs/sig-Mishra-Koehler-TCR.pdf

Marzano, R.J., Pickering, D.J., Arrendondo, D. E., Blackburn, G. J., Brandt, R. S., Moffett, C. A., et al.(1997). Dimensions of Learning teacher’s manual (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

The State of Queensland – Department of Education and Training (2002). A Guide to Productive Pedagogies – Classroom reflection manual. Queensland, Australia. Curriculum Implementation Unit. Retrieved July 22nd, 2008 from http://education.qld.gov.au/corporate/newbasics/html/pedagogies/pedagog.html