Digital and online technologies are reshaping the classroom experience for students in formal education settings and for all learners. If I want to know how to do something, I get on Youtube, or I seek out a learning platform all from the comfort of my home. During the beginning of the pandemic, I took some online art courses through Creative Bug. A self-taught artist I admire, Lisa Congdon, was offering the classes. I could draw, pause, and watch again. I have trouble with attention and focus, so this is amazing to me. Personally, online learning works for me and shouldn’t learning be personalized? Learning about things that you are passionate about makes learning more meaningful. All learners should have the experience of enjoying what they are learning.

 

Educational research has revealed new ways of making learning more learner centered. The challenging work of making learning more personalized, collaborative, and meaningful is happening in classrooms. It should be the standard. High stakes testing might not be out the door yet. But, I believe in the power of yet. 

 

It will take more than digital tools to transform education, however, the tools can help personalize learning and make collaboration easier. We are living in amazing times.

 

I am a dedicated educator, who is willing to learn what I can to create classrooms where the learning is personalized and students have opportunities to collaborate and work on real world project based learning. In the future, I envision learning to be more personal and geared towards real world problems because it is the way we will prepare students for their future. I see more schools transitioning to a PBL model and blended learning. I’m committed to making learners the center of learning, making learning more personalized, creating collaborative learning environments, using a blended learning model and using digital tools to enhance the learner experience. 

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The Learner is the HUB

 

I believe the learner should be at the center of learning and that learning should be personalized. Without personalizing learning, one will not be able to place the learner at the center of the learning. Learners bring their own knowledge, past experiences, education and ideas to the table. Learners are not vessels to be stuffed with knowledge. Their knowledge should start turning the wheels of learning to accelerate new learning. 

 

Learning Should Be Personalized

 

I believe that learning should be personalized instead of a one size fits all model that adheres to state standards and testing. In order to personalize learning, learners should be given some choices and opportunities to use their voice. Learning should be engaging, purposeful, and connected to real world experiences. Learners need curriculum to be presented in a context that is meaningful to them and to see how they can apply the skills to their lives outside of school. A blended learning model can help to achieve some of the personalization. 
 

Learning is a Collaborative Effort

 

I believe that learning happens best when self-directed and supported by a framework of mentoring and accountability. Teachers who understand themselves as learners who simultaneously create a framework for others to learn can adapt to learners’ needs. I believe learning should be a partnership between students and teachers to achieve deep learning. Learning should be facilitated with the learner at the center. Learners should have time to collaborate with other learners including their facilitator, or teacher.

Collaborating on projects gives learners opportunities to learn from their peers and make meaning of their learning. 

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Digital Tools can enhance the Learning Environment

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I believe the effective use of digital learning tools in classrooms can increase student engagement, help educators improve lessons, and facilitate personalized learning. They also help students build essential 21st-century skills. I believe that technology should be used to support the learner, to increase communication and collaboration and for the learner to create.

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I believe in guiding learners on how to learn because this will empower them through out their lives to learn the things they want to learn. By teaching students how to learn, students become more flexible, open-minded, and adaptable problem solvers. Knowing how to learn can help to deal with the challenges of a changing world and to thrive in the future. 

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To me, learning is fun and a life-long ongoing process that brings meaning to me and makes life better. Learning with others makes the experience even better. I want this experience for students. 

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