You Qualify for an Upgrade

Alan November addressed a group of Missouri educators on June 27 to discuss student engagement. At one point he said, "I'm worried that many of the assignments that we are giving today were designed before the internet." This is a serious concern that deserves our attention. I wonder… could the same concern be shared about our delivery of professional development? What about collaboration, or our networking?

As the illustration above sums up so well, the many forms of personal communication and learning have changed greatly. Yet, many primary functions still exist. Form continues to follow function. Problems arise whenever we adhere to an outmoded form or construct despite superior alternatives (or replacements). Do you have a lesson that needs a 21st century tweak? What about your approach to continuous improvement? More than ever, the power to change, to innovate, to iterate is within reach.  Set a bold goal for this year. Take a step this year to make some upgrades. This could take the form of a new lesson or instructional approach or engaging in a new form of self-directed learning.  Puzzled by that first step? Make that first step by joining the ESSD40 Summer Institute later this month. On July 31 the topic is connected learning: “Becoming a connected educator for anytime PD: Build or strengthen your professional learning network.” On August 1 the topic is “Upgrading our schools to the 21st century: Focused on increasing creativity and innovation in the classroom.” Sign up today at www.mylearningplan.com.