look at the resulting data and reflect on what the data reveal about both the learners and the use of blended in-struction.
I think it is important that looking at student data and analyzing impact of change in practice, use of new tools, etc. actually "moves the needle" or not
we use digital badges to recognize successful implementation of incremental learning in the classroom
evidence of professional learning in action
teachers are free to explore multiple pathways based on their professional goals or interests, which means they can explore multiple topics at differing levels or dive into a par-ticular strand for advanced learning
this level of personalization is important for meeting user's specific needs when they need it
These smaller achievements can represent incremental learn-ing and progress toward more significant goals
I think it is important to understand that digital badges are meant to be very granular with a specific skill attached to it. There is no rubric or scale, it is either you have demonstrated the competency or not (with evidence). But remember, badges can be combined to "level up" and show a composite of skills if needs be.
Remember those changing contexts? They in-evitably make us wobble anew and necessarily require that we shift and re-fine our poses in response
I think the changing professional landscape is disrupting public education but for some reason, our education system and the people who comprise it are not wobbling enough?
Working through these wobbles con-tinuously is an integral part of their commitment to deepened practice.
it is good to know that even those teachers we would say are masters at their craft still experience this and are never finished self improving
maintain the continual focus on personal reflexivity and professional growth that is so necessary for acknowledging how privilege and cultural positionality shape one’s practice
personal reflexivity is an interesting notion, I would also say vulnerability is important, too.
didn’t want to stir up trouble in their future classrooms
it's a shame that teachers may be hesitant to elevate the discourse amongst students out of fear of repercussions due to idealogy
These preschool suspensions are particularly troubling because of how they might shape a child's future pathway.
If young students go through the suspension process early on, I wonder if this normalizes the experience for them. This is troubling to me b/c this could lead to kids accepting early on that they are meant to be excluded.
teachers
CL principles applied by teachers is so important! Hi Howard really emphasized the importance of this in adults building comprehension, experience, and comfort in participating and creating CL environment and experiences. We are seeking in Aurora Public Schools to use CL principles to helps us transform teaching & learning. #APSdesigns
simply not the case
In Aurora Public Schools Division of Equity & Learning teammates have been going on "Edventures." This means we have visited various business in the Denver Metro Area to see how people work today. It is frightening that the way many of our kids and staff members work is completely different. There is much opportunity to transform!
bells
Since I graduated high school I haven't heard a bell. Not in college, not when I was digging trenches, or when I work to transform teaching and learning. Weird.
It also means deciding against the technology use if the answer to either question is no.
The process the teachers engaged in is a great example of critical thinking.
Closing the hardware and Internet divide is critical, but if some students get to create, think and communicate with technologies while others do more passive or low-level learning tasks, opportunity gaps persist.
The emergence of a new equity gap is counterproductive as we collectively design transformed teaching and learning experiences. I believe we need to keep an eye on this closely as use proliferates across APS.
After some classroom experimentation, a more specific list of smart technology use criteria emerged
As we transform the "HOW" of what we do to support schools, encouraging safe fail experimentation will be important. The design process supports this and iteration consists of success and failure.
evolved
quickly realized something counterintuitive: Often, it’s the simplest uses of technology that get students to talk, write and create
This is really interesting. I think this is an important finding because as teachers begin to blend and personalize instruction, keeping it simple will allow for more teachers to engage because it doesn't appear to be daunting and super-sophisticated (and scary).
This template essentially encouraged the participating teachers to do—and document—action research.
I think this "formalizing" of teacher and student experimentation is really important. Ensuring that this newfound knowledge (for better or worse) is shared with colleagues is pivotal.