Learning is Change

I have taken a bit of inspiration from my daughter’s Ski Lesson and thought about better ways to get to know learners than traditional assessments. If we watch them come down the hill and struggle with their turns, I think we get a much better picture of where they are in their progress. If we can be with them in their learning and catch them if they fall, we will be better teachers and we will change the conversation to be more about them as people than them as a score on a test.

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Whenever we accept the first answers from learners, we are saying that first drafts are enough. As Luke Cowdell references, we need to be pushing one another to move beyond First Draft Ideas and collaborate with one another by using two simple words: "Say More."

Original Luke Cowdell video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymkgMM7pNdg

Reflective Practice Vlogging Community: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/116395158372553895482

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My learning network is invisible. At least it is to everyone but me. I see the connections I have made and know the level of depth our conversations represent. I have seen changes in learning spaces and whole systems shift because of the power of this invisible network. I am proud to be surrounded by people that support me and sustain my growth. I am proud that you are one of those people.

But, I would like to do something in the next week to show just how powerful this network can be. For a few short days, I would like to make the connections visible to everyone, and show just how much expertise and value you all provide.

You see, I have an opportunity to become the Director of Blended Learning for Denver Public Schools, and while I am excited about this chance on a personal level, I am much more excited because I get to take you and your supporting connection with me.

I believe that the best way for me to demonstrate my expertise is to show DPS the power of a networked teacher and learner. So, I had an idea of how to make that happen.

I made a video explaining it, and I would love for you to watch it and take action if you are so inclined:

(If you don’t have time for the 4 minute video, here is the gist: Answer in a comment or video response: “What would you do as a Director of Blended Learning?” Because, in essence, by taking you along in my network, that is the question you will be helping me to answer every day.)