RFI questions 2.pdf

Request for Information (RFI)

816229241

Smithsonian Learning Lab

Answers to Questions

1. How does the Smithsonian define object‑based learning for PK–12 at national scale, and will there be a standardized instructional framework (e.g., inquiry‑based, project‑based, experiential) that guides lesson structure, assessment, and cross‑disciplinary integration?

Our (working) definition of Object based learning: Object-based learning uses physical objects as a central tool for teaching and learning. The object becomes the primary source of information.

We don’t have a formal instructional framework at this time, but it is something we are working on as we see Learning Lab 2.0 as a place where we’ll provide a “toolkit” for ways to easily integrate objects into any classroom.

2. Does the Smithsonian envision Learning Lab 2.0 as an evolution of the existing platform or a full replacement, and what level of responsibility will a future contractor have for migrating user accounts, collections, metadata, and instructional content while ensuring continuity of access?

This is a question we are still exploring. The Office of Educational Technology would be working closely with the Office of Digital Innovation (ODI) and Office of the Chief

Information Officer (OCIO) on a migration of data.

3. What governance model is anticipated to ensure instructional quality, standards alignment, accessibility (UDL/508), cultural accuracy, and differentiation across

Smithsonian‑created, partner‑created, and user‑generated content?

We are working with teachers across the country to review Smithsonian-created Learning

Lab Collections for instructional quality and standards alignment. UDL/508 accessibility will be done in partnership with the vendor, ODI, and other built-in processes within

Smithsonian. We are still determining the role of user-generated content and how it is represented on the new site.

4. How will instructional integrity, age‑appropriateness, and historical accuracy be preserved when AI is used for search, recommendation, differentiation, or content generation, and will human‑in‑the‑loop review be required for classroom‑facing materials?

This question is evolving. Right now, human-in-the-loop review is required for AI generated results. We are not currently using AI to develop/generate content. E.g. It is used for metadata consistency and standards alignment when assets are added to a central database for digital education resources — but a human has to check that the AI generated results are accurate and correct before publishing.

5. What role will professional development, teacher onboarding, and change management play in national adoption of Learning Lab 2.0, and is there an expectation that the selected vendor support educator training, communities of practice, or phased pilot implementations?

The Office of Educational Technology already has regular, on-going professional development training for PK12 teachers. At this time, there is not an expectation that the vendor would support educator training.

6. Does the Smithsonian have a Project Manager / project team identified for this work?

What roles / perspectives will be represented from the Smithsonian side during this project?

We are in the final stages of hiring a Senior Digital Strategist who will be the main project lead for this project. We also have internal stakeholders (e.g. Smithsonian educators who create Learning Lab Content) as well as external stakeholders (a teacher work group), who we’ll engage at different points in the process.

7. How is the Learning Lab site currently managed?

The company that developed the project makes system updates to the site. We have a contractor managing the day-to-day functionality and issues.

8. What is your long term vision for managing the site?

Ideally Smithsonian would be hosting and managing the site.

9. Is the existing site content available outside of the digital platform in any form? (e.g., spreadsheets/docs, digital archives, etc.)

We don’t have this publicly available.

10. Are there any existing technical limitations or guidelines we should be aware of?

(e.g., a preferred CMS platform, code standards, etc.)

Not at this time.

11. What platform is the current site built on?

The current site is primary hosted by Navigation North.

12. Is there an established timeline to begin this work? An anticipated launch timeframe?

We will develop this with the vendor we end up working with, but I imagine it will be a rolling launch so we can test/get feedback throughout the process.

13. Do any budget parameters exist at this stage?

Not at this time.

14. When do you anticipate issuing an RFP for this work?

If an RFP is issued it would follow the review the RFI submissions.