Greetings WOL Friends,
Snow fell this week where I live and I thought of all the school administrators and road workers who have to consider whether or not it is safe and wise to bring folks into school. It is a really hard job.
And I noticed, too, that many schools instead of completely closing had Flexible Instruction Days! It seems like that is one of the benefits of technology and one of the downfalls. Do you have Flexible Instructions Days? Do you like them?
As a virtual program, we don’t really worry too much about snow days, but when there is a power outage or bad internet, we scramble. Getting to the learners, where they are (home, schools, a coffee shop) is really what matters.
Fortunately, Erin and I did not have to worry about snow, power outages, or bad internet when we chatted about her first PASCD Conference.
Here are a few of Erin's highlights and takeaways:
We did get off track a little and talk about the breakthrough in the use of fusion for energy production. (Erin teaches Chemistry and this is the unit they are on!) We love that what we teach is authentic, relevant and engaging for learners.
Allison Zmuda presented storyboarding in the curriculum at PASCD. Erin is working on a storyboard for her Chemistry course, Chemistry to Sustain Life. Allison’s presentation gave her lots of ideas about connecting the content so that it is cohesive and relevant for students. She really hopes that students will leave her classes able to understand how science impacts their lives.
We played at PASCD, too! The Eastern District of the USTA hosted a round-robin tournament as a brain break at the conference. Getting moving really helps with learning. How do you connect movement and learning at your school?
Erin also learned more about how coaches in schools offer opportunities for the teachers they serve. She is doing an awesome job as a ‘coach’ for our WOL virtual learning specialist. Her weekly newsletter offers tips and strategies for teaching online. You can see more HERE.
She also was very impressed with Northampton Areas SD’s Professional Learning Showcase. Their program allowed teachers to see the amazing things going on in their very own schools. Erin hopes to copy some of this for our teachers. (She’s gathering video samples through her VLS newsletter already.)
How are you showcasing your teacher and student work??
“Intelligence is ongoing individual adaptability”
Octavia E. Butler (in Parable of the Sowers, 1993)
As we learn, we hope we change and adapt to the world we are living in. At the World of Learning Institute, we continue to evolve to become radically learner-centered. At the heart of this work, we want learners to be engaged and adapt so that regardless of the situation they know how to use the knowledge they gain in practical and real-world situations.
If you have a teacher shortage or need a sub, think about one of our courses like Latin or Chinese to fill the gap. Students learn history, culture, and even modern ideas when they study another culture. They will be engaged in the story of Latin Gods, Muses, and Monsters. In A Trip to China, learn essential skills to navigate the day-to-day life and needs of a person new to China or a Chinese-speaking country.
We hope as 2022 winds down you are able to rest and reflect on how you are helping your teachers, learners, and community adapt and become agile in our changing world. We are here to help!
Have a great week,
Pat
Takeaways #28