Communiqué

Time for Play is Everyday

Quest to Learn, or Q2L (a.k.a. Quest) is an interesting new concept on learning, inspired by the 21st century’s momentum in digital media and gaming.  The factor at work here in this new phenomenon is “Gaming Intelligence”.

Note that Quest is not a place where kids play commercial videogames!  On the contrary, it is a school that applies the principles of game design.  This creates immersive and engaging experiences for the kids in the classroom.  I’m sure this is still the largest speculation cloud that hovers over Q2L’s curriculum today, but that’s just rants from those who aren’t reading the material behind this idea.

Now that we’ve established you’re not that person, what exactly is so interesting behind this school?  Besides the obvious.

It’s all Mathematics.

Do your math!  I remember that line, and how many times I’ve been told.  It never got old.  Even today, I can’t even tell you how many times you get the proverbial “Do the math” response you get for everything from poll numbers in politics to fluctuations in the economy.

“Math a language that describes the world”, is a value from Quest’s 6th grade curriculum.  But it takes on more meaning than value.  This school altogether, has based their curriculum around the foundation of mathematics.  Language was the one topic that transcended all courses in the traditional education system.  The difference that Quest brings to the table, seems to put problem solving and mathematics at that same level as like say, the learning and application of the English language.  Making them a learning factor throughout the kids’ education.  I like this idea.

Elements of a System

Instead of “math” and “science”, lets call it, “The way things work”.  – someone smart at Q2L

So your young one is getting ready for 6th grade’s first day, and finds out there is no math class!  Well, at least that’s not what its called.  This is a result of the 2nd interesting factor of Q2L: Integrated domains.  You know, like math and science in one.  Language and social studies.  The integrated domains structure seems to sing “collaboration” throughout.  From the combination of topics, to the interactive partnerships of teachers, students and coordinators…….everyday!

The 6th grades’ mission to teaching kids about “systems” is an interesting angle at looking at challenges and problems.  They call this systems thinking.

“Systems thinking is a core 21st century skill, and a skill we believe is key to enabling good learning.

The Wellness Philosophy

I know this idea was a winner with all parents!  Wellness is half curriculum half philosophy.  Students are taught how to manage their health and well-being.  This philosophy and way of life beats like the heart of a racehorse, as it is reflected upon in morning meetings, end of day meetings, phys. ed. and of course, lunch!

Learning Environments

Here are just a few of the learning environments for Q2L, most built and maintained by the Institute of Play.

BeingMe: social network for the students to track work, collaborate and form discussion groups.

SMALLab: this sounds like something out of Star Wars, but this lab’s purpose is to project visuals selected by teachers, to experience targeted content in 3D space.  This allows the kids to interact with the content in kinesthetic ways.

21st Century Learning

Some points on what Quest considers 21st century skills

- multi-modal learning

- developing a problem solving mindset

- collaboration both physical and virtual

- research and synthesis of information using online search tools

- knowing how and when to use digital tools for learning, communication and exploration

Quest’s curriculum states that they are preparing students for future careers like the ones below, what is your take on this?  Comments are welcome.

Preparing Students for Future Careers

Urban planner · Organizational Management · Economist · Engineer · Scientist (all) · Computer Scientist · Financial Analyst · International Relations · Entrepreneur · Business and Finance · Design (all) · Political strategist · Judge · Sustainability and Environmental Scientist · Human Factors Researcher · Anthropologist · Writer · Investigative Reporter · Learning Scientist · Inventor · Information architect · Playwright · Actuary · Biotechnologist

Quest to Learn

http://q2l.org/

Institute of Play

http://www.instituteofplay.org/