Interactive Desktop Simulations: Digital Literacy Skills Tutorials for Instructors and Students.

Session 6: 10:30–12:00 PM, Zoom Room 7

Abstract

As the paradigm of education constantly shifts, the emerging use of digitally mediated learning environments and technologies such as intelligent tutoring systems (e.g. AT-ARC) offer potential benefits that are not as easily achievable in traditional learning conditions (e.g. large classrooms, high learner-to-instructor ratio, limited class time). AutoTutor for Adult Reading Comprehension (AT-ARC) is an adaptive, conversational intelligent tutoring system that promotes adult literacy and job skills though gamified, turn-based learning tasks. One challenge is that we want struggling adult readers to use our system and obtain benefits, but we must prepare for the likelihood that within a population of adults with lower literacy skills may be a sub-population of adults who possess lower digital literacy skills as well. In contemporary education and the workplace, we see not only typical expectations of traditional literacy skills, but increased expectations and demands for digital literacy skills too. The digital literacy skills module aims to bring a target population of struggling adult readers to a baseline proficiency in digital literacy skills. Additionally, instructors should receive guidance in scaffolding students to their learning goals. Interactive desktop simulations show great promise in accommodating these aims through promotion of digital literacy skills and tasks that students or instructors may encounter while accessing or using AT-ARC.

Presenters

Type of Presentation

Demonstration (90 minute)

Audience

All

Program Strands

• Adult Basic Education

Category Strands

• Blended Learning
• Distance Learning
• Technology Integration
• Online Engagement and Assessment