Reflection on our 7/14 Learning at #EdCampBLC

Monday's Professional Development (PD) at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel was inspiring since many dedicated educators took the day to brainstorm how to encourage all administrators, teachers and parents to create an ideal learning experience for all our learners! EdCampBLC was focused on Building Learning Communities.

The following are the sessions in which I choose to participate:

Block Scheduling:

• Provides time on learning where concepts can be delved into with depth to add meaning and connections
• Creates an environment where Flipped Learning could be implemented enabling learners to watch videos and try their hands in some hands-on practice prior to coming to class where more in depth learning takes place and questions facilitate more learning
• Offers a lengthy differentiated learning environment where learners can collaborate to add depth of knowledge
• Fosters learning where more cooperative and collaborative learning can occur 
• Transitions need to be incorporated into these longer learning blocks to ensure the learning stays energetic and learners are encouraged to safe move often within their environment 

Common Core and PARCC:

• Learning must be the driver!
• Meaningful learning experiences come from great teaching and facilitation!
• Let's continue to ask ourselves "What causes memorable learning to take place?".
• The focus should be on Big Ideas and Essential Questions (EQs) as opposed to check off learning outcomes as they are taught.

Learning with Technology to Reach All Learners:

• Content must be in an accessible format for all learners. 
• Text to speech as well as speech to text were cited as resources that enabled some learners to find higher level of success. 
• Several resources discussed included: Read & Write Chrome Extension, Rewordify, Explain Everything, UDL (Universal Design Language) Tech Toolkit Wiki and Notability 

Learning through Gamification:

• Regular concept checks enable students to improve and thrive!
• Improvement is always recognized and encouraged!
• We need to find ways to empower students to compete, even if only with themselves!
• Learning games provide for immediate feedback and opportunity for improvement!