Archive
component:whats-next.landscape-analysis
10 Resources to Promote Personalized Learning
A couple people called last week looking for advice for state and district leaders on personalized learning. Here's a recap of our conversations.
10 Sources of Inspiration for Next-Gen Learning Systems
Easier said than done, right? We could keep adding technology to current schools but that would just create a more expensive version of what we have.
Designing Inquiry-Based PLCs to Differentiate Instruction and Drive School-Wide Improvement
Schools that establish inquiry-based PLCs for the specific purpose of looking at student data to inform curriculum, instruction, and intervention are having the most success.
Visions of Personalized Learning in Denver
While some schools are buying truckloads of tablets, thoughtful districts are holding conversations about the potential of personalized learning. The right first step, as recommended in the Blended Learning Implementation Guide, is starting with clear goals and a sound strategy.
Preparing School Leaders
It's exciting and encouraging to see some of the folks training high performing leaders thinking about blended personalized learning for leaders--not just students. It suggests the potential for more efficient and effective replacements for the system of courses, credits, and credentials. However, enacting these ten attributes at scale would require new state policies governing licensure.
What Sort of Research Should We Be Doing on Blended Learning?
A foundation advisor asked, “Is there a smart approach donors might take with blended learning research?” Following are seven areas that could use some attention.
Next-Gen Models Break New Ground, Promote System Redesign
The 20 breakthrough school models recognized by the Gates Foundation funded Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) took on the turnaround challenge, leveraged higher education partnerships, and improved the performance and sustainability of school networks (as outlined inpart one of this three-part series). They also illustrate how blended learning supports and extends experiential learning (part two).
Next-Gen Models Attack Problems, Leverage Opportunities
It's great if you think you have a good sense of how a next-generation school would work, but good luck trying to get funding. Most school districts don't have a process to respond to new school proposals much less funding them. And good luck getting a grant for a charter school before you get a charter approved (i.e., when you really need the money). That's why, given the emerging potential for personalization, the Next Generation Learning Challenges(NGLC) is a timely and important program.
10 Steps to Build Support for Blended Learning
To build support for a blended learning initiative, start by inventorying hardware and widely used apps, testing broadband, and identifying blended learning programs and strategies. Consider the following ten strategies over the course of six months to begin to lay the groundwork for development and adoption of blended learning models.
Blended Learning Decision: Enterprise or Portfolio
For many districts, the most important strategy decision will be whether to build a common district plan or encouraging schools to develop their own plans.