Transforming knowledge into intelligence The research on Wisdom Class Teaching Theory and Practice

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel education paradigm named Wisdom Class (WisClass), comprising three main pillars: Virtual Learning Environment, Mobile Learning Community and Ubiquitous Network. The WisClass teaching mode boasts the new characteristics of independent learning; inquiry learning; and collaborative learning. The paper contains the following contributions: (1) Define WisClass: Due to the diversity of WisClass, it is necessary to comprehensively cover WisClass from many angles, including Intelligent Contents, System Implementation and Classroom Infrastructure. (2) Summarize the Innovation of WisClass: We propose to shift from the conventional Knowledge Class (KnoClass) paradigm to a new WisClass paradigm. More elaborately, a) WisClass improves teaching theory from teacher-oriented to student-oriented; b) WisClass improves teaching paradigm from static state to dynamic state; c) WisClass improves teaching strategy from teaching knowledge to cultivating wisdom; d) WisClass improves teaching method from closed class to open class. (3) Analyze the Characteristics of WisClass: Through massive researches and deep analysis, we explore the WisClass from three characteristics. a) WisClass Teaching: WisClass has a process of enlightening, situational, dynamic, and innovative teaching. b) WisClass Learning: WisClass has a process of constructivist, inquiring, blended and cooperative learning. c) WisClass Environment: WisClass has a digital, interactive, dynamic and situational environment. (4) Construct a real WisClass: we construct a real WisClass by cooperatively building hardware environment and software system as a holistic design system. a) The hardware environment includes cloud server, WIFI server, hardware equipment; b) the software system contains cloud platform, online/offline learning environment, leaning evaluation system and Trinitarian learning material system. Our works will play a promising role in the future development of several system design perspectives: (1) Intelligent Contents: In order to better cultivate wise learners, the teaching environment and objective are both focused on intelligent teaching methods. Specifically, a) it takes the educators’ wisdom teaching method as essential condition; b) it takes the digital teaching environment as material basis; c) it takes the learners’ wisdom development as teaching objective. WisClass incarnates the think of “Transforming Knowledge In to Wisdom”. (2) Classroom Infrastructure: The intelligent teaching in WisClass hinges upon perceptive, dynamic, active, open and wisdom of physical space. In order to provide a human-friendly space, it is important to have WisClass Infrastructure equipped with modern IT devices, e.g. audio-visual equipment, computer and interactive whiteboard, internet-accessible teaching materials. Especially, the last system encourage educators and learners to timely access the resources and update learning materials. In addition, an ideal infrastructure should also support various WIFI-accessible and internet-enhanced teaching tools such as Distance Learning and Learning Community. WisClass facilitates intelligent teaching environments. Moreover, it can seamlessly integrate people, devices, resource, environment, thought and methods. All this together make it feasible to realize multiple intelligent scenes teaching and man-machine interaction. (3) System Implementation: In order to provide an intelligent and informational classroom, we incorporate modern and most advanced IT. The purpose is that WisClass may improve teaching paradigm in the aspects of three-dimensional interaction, smart evaluation and information push. WisClass provides a natural platform which integrates IT and class teaching. (Abstract)