Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments (PS-TRE)

Integrating Technology Colleagues,

Jen Vanek, Director of the IDEAL Consortium in the Ed Tech Center at World Education, has written a guide to Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments (PS-TRE), based in part on the PIAAC PS-TRE conceptual framework and with concrete, practical advice for teachers. Take a look, and perhaps later this spring or summer, we can invite Jen to discuss this with us.

David J. Rosen, Moderator

Integrating Technology CoP

djrosen123@gmail.com

 

Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments (PS-TRE)  By Jenifer B. Vanek

f94d31d6-e2b2-450e-9a8a-d8e635cb437e.pngThis guide is for adult education and literacy practitioners who are ready to teach digital problem solving (i.e. PS-TRE). One of its goals is to nudge practitioners to reconsider current technology integration in Adult Basic Education (ABE) classrooms, adding a cognitive dimension to their technology use instruction. In doing so, teachers can include instructional activities that help learners to not only use technologies, but also develop an understanding of the complex processes required to employ them in conducting everyday tasks. Whether teaching in ABE, Adult Secondary Education (ASE), or English Language Acquisition programs, practitioners can refer to the guide when creating curricular activities that teach how to solve problems or handle day-to-day activities in the digital environment. The guide is based on key components of the PIAAC PS-TRE conceptual framework. It includes a description of the steps in the cognitive process put forth in the PS-TRE conceptual framework, how complexity varies in given problem-solving tasks, and a teachable PS-TRE process. In addition, the guide provides examples of instructional activities representing the process and use of technology at varying levels of complexity. Check out the full guide HERE.