FM Update 10 May 2024

An item for my Kiwi readers as they begin their week.

FutureMakers Newsletter 10 May 2024 Kia ora koutou The new term is well under way and cooler temperatures prevail. But in education things are heating up with debates about many of the new initiatives being introduced here in NZ. As educators it’s our responsibility to participate in these debates from an informed perspective – which is why I’ve shared a number of items in this newsletter that may be helpful in shaping our perspectives.Ngā mihi In this newsletter… Direct Instruction of Inquiry-Based Learning? Why We’re Probably Wrong About The Science of Teaching and Learning. Emergent Systemness. The Hidden Wisdom of People. Why Collaboration Matters. Direct instruction or Inquiry-Based Learning? A useful article from Edutopia titled Direct Instruction or Inquiry-Based Learning?, argues that it’s not either/or: Rather than choosing direct instruction or inquiry-based learning, educators strategically use both methods. This perspective is worth engaging with and understanding, given the degree to which we are being presented with simplistic, binary options when it comes to the curriculum and how we teach. Why We’re Probably Wrong About the Science of Teaching and Learning In this article from TES, Jared Cooney Horvath argues that the science of learning has become embroiled in an ideological argument that has little to do with the reality of what it can and cannot do for teaching. Given the liberal use of this term to defend almost any initiative of government at the moment, this article provides a refreshing and relatively balanced perspective on things. Emergent Systemness Michael Fullan recently pointed me to “A Big Tent” Strategy for System-wide Transformation (Fine & Mehta 2024). Based on the work of the Ottawa Catholic School Board with 87 schools and 45,000 students which has been achieving outstanding results from its work on Deep Learning. While skeptical at first, the authors were convinced, calling the phenomenon they’d researched “emergent systemness”. The Hidden Wisdom of People Just released! Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life by Jeff Wetzler explores why, all too often, we fail to learn important information from the people around us. Jeff Wetzler presents a science-backed approach for overcoming this problem and discovering the hidden ideas and insights of other people, leading to smarter decisions, better solutions, and deeper connections. Ask proposes an inquiry-based approach to leadership designed to tackle the complex human challenges of our time. Available now! Why Collaboration Matters The focus on collaboration as a key competency for living into the future has been a focus of our curriculum for some time now. The Human Development Report from the UN provides a useful reminder that this emphasis is not a ‘nice to have’, but is critical to the future lives of our young learners. The report highlights that deglobalization is neither feasible nor realistic in today’s world and that economic interdependence remains high, and that no region is close to self-sufficiency. Free Playbook Download your own copy of Agency By Design: An Educator’s Playbook from the Aurora Institute Website and use this to help guide you and your staff/school through the process of creating a learning environment where learner agency can flourish. This playbook has been designed especially to be used either personally or as a focus for your professional learning community. You can download the whole book or separate chapters, and then capture your own notes and reflections in the areas provided in the text, But wait, there’s more… At FutureMakers we use a range of forums to curate good ideas and resources. Check out the following… Derek’s Blog – regular posts available on the FutureMakers website Previous newsletters – access all of the previous editions of the FutureMakers newsletter from this one place Resilient Schools Online Community – brought to you in partnership with Transcend My slideshows from recent presentations curated on SlideShare Hybrid Learning – a collection of resources on the FutureMakers website Learner Agency – another collection of resources on the FutureMakers website If you’ve enjoyed reading this newsletter please feel free to forward it to others to read, or better yet, ask them to become a FutureMakers subscriber so they will receive their own updates delivered to their mailbox. Subscribe to The FutureMakers Newsletter I’m always interested to hear your feedback or ideas about what you’d like to see included in future newsletters – please use the link below to email me with your suggestions. Email Derek

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Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week

An item from a K-12 blended learning organization.

Thanking our teachers and partners, Eureka Math grant, RPPL Affiliate+ announcement

 

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Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week 2024

Talented and dedicated teachers work tirelessly to improve life and academic outcomes for students, school communities, and our country at large. Teachers — both the formal and informal — shape our lives and the lives of our children. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to our nation’s most valuable asset! We hope you’ll join us by recognizing a teacher in your life.

Read an excerpt from our Chief Innovation Officer Malika Ali, and explore our full team’s reflections in our blog:

“I’m grateful to work with teachers today because they nurture learning communities that invite students to discover, interrogate, envision, and build the world they will lead. They support students to unburden themselves from negative mindsets and limiting beliefs. They help students build skills and knowledge with joy and justice at the center. They model lifelong learning and leadership, balancing competing priorities in service of honoring the holistic wellbeing of their kids. They love their students out loud daily and support them to navigate inequities. And they fan the flames of their power as they stand up against injustice at every level of our system — from classrooms to campuses to the Capitol.”

Full Blog Post

Seeking Elementary School Partners: Eureka Math Professional Learning Grant

Throughline Learning has been awarded a research grant to support math professional learning with 15 elementary schools during SY25. Partner schools will receive PLCs, teacher coaching, or a data collection stipend, fully funded by the research study. This is an opportunity for schools to increase access to the rigorous Eureka curriculum and improve students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills. Learn more and help us spread the word! Interested? Complete this quick form to connect with our team.

Learn More

Interest Form

Throughline Learning Named RPPL Affiliate+ 

We are proud to be named as one of 14 new Affiliate+ organizations by the Research Partnership for Professional learning (RPPL). RPPL is a diverse and inclusive network of professional learning practitioners, researchers, educators, and funders working to advance evidence-based practices in the field. Through working groups, learning sessions, and research activities, Affiliate+ members contribute to RPPL’s learning agenda and disseminate best practices.

Learn More

From Other Organizations

Humanizing Pedagogy: New Paper from CommonGood

Innovators, reformers and systems leaders have poured resources and attention into reforming our education systems in order for that system to better meet the goals of modern society. Significant attention has been paid to the curriculum, and how high-quality materials can be a lever for improvement. With new models having been tested at scale and for some time, it is time for a critical consideration of the ideas about high-quality materials, particularly concerning what we believe to be best for students and teachers.

Download the Paper

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There is still time to register for the Canadian eLearning Conference, June 13-14, 2024

A conference update for my Canadian colleagues.

1 MONTH UNTIL THE CANADIAN ELEARNING CONFERENCE Register for a workshop, the conference, or better yet, join us for both days. We still have space at this year’s event if you would like to join us June 13-14, 2024, Toronto.  More information about the conference and how to register is below.

KEYNOTE: Hadiya Nuriddin | Transformational StorytellingBy understanding the psychological principles behind why stories resonate with people, attendees will learn how to craft stories that inspire change and engage their audience. They’ll explore the different types of stories that can be used to drive transformation, including personal stories, success stories, and vision stories. The keynote will delve into the importance of empathy and authenticity in transformational storytelling. Attendees will learn how to use empathy to connect with their audience on a deeper level and how to infuse authenticity into their stories to create trust and build credibility. REGISTER NOW CONFERENCE OUTLINE Full Day Workshops – June 13, 2024 Generative AI for Learning Content Development (Josh Cavalier) Introduction to Instructional Design (Ashley Chiasson) Mastering Articulate Rise: A Hands-on Workshop for Effective Design (Mike Bubyn, MSc, CTDP) Media Production (Phil Cowcill) Start the Podcast! A Low-Cost, Efficient, Portable, and Personalized Way to Deliver Training (Betty Dannewitz) The Beginner’s guide to eLearning Accessibility (Rebecca Prejean (Broussard) ) Using Advance Storyline Features to Build Complex Learning Modules (Ron Price) full descriptions here Concurrent Sessions – June 14, 2024 Sessions are grouped into several streams including ‘Accessibility and Inclusion’, ‘Advanced Technology’, ‘Learning Tools’, and more. full list and descriptions here REGISTER NOW

FOLLOW US Copyright © 2024 Canadian eLearning Conference, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website or subscribed to our newsletter. Our mailing address is: Canadian eLearning Conference Baycrest Health Sciences (c/o K. Nemethy) 3560 Bathurst St North York, On M6A 2E1 Canada

May 2024 Newsletter

An item for my Michigan readers from an organization that has always featured work on K-12 online and blended learning.

Welcome to May and the homestretch of the school year. This month’s edition is filled with some opportunities for professional learning to round out this year and some early registration chances for things happening next fall. Have a great end of the year….. Summer is around the corner! May 2024 MACUL Updates 2024 UP MACUL Registration Open MACUL is excited to share that we are returning to the UP on May 10 at Northern Michigan University. We will have a two part day for only $49. Join us in the morning for deep dive with targeted content and in the afternoon for a mini AI summit. For more info on the schedule, please visit: https://upmacul2024.sched.com/ Register for UP MACUL 2024 MACUL Virtual Conference This year’s virtual track has 12 recorded sessions from the conference for you to view. If you were a paid attendee at #MACUL24, then you can also have access to the Virtual Track for $59. Register here. If you didn’t attend #MACUL24, then you can register for virtual access until May 24th for $159. Learn More About the Virtual Track Michigan K-12 Educator AI Integration Survey This survey is a collaborative project involving over a dozen prominent education groups across the state. As AI increasingly impacts education, your insights are crucial. Spearheaded by the AI Statewide Workgroup and Michigan Virtual’s AI Lab, this initiative aims to enhance our understanding, promote ethical AI use, and identify professional development needs in schools. The survey closes May 31st. Take Survey Now MACUL Grants Now Open Did you know that MACUL members are eligible to apply for our grants program and can get up to $1,000 for their classrooms? For more information, visit: https://macul.org/grants. Grant applications will be accepted until June 17th. Apply Today MACUL Certified Coach Fall Cohort – Now Open The 2024-25 MACUL Certified Coach Cohort is now open. Learn more about the program here. The Cohort Syllabus has all the information you will need on timeframe, content and outcomes of the program. Register For Fall Cohort MACUL-MASL-REMC Student Podcasting Challenge Take 2! MACUL is excited to partner with REMC and MASL to bring you the second edition of the Student Podcast Challenge. Teachers can submit their students’ original podcasts by September 30, 2024 for a chance to win podcasting hardware for their classroom. For more information, including official rules and the benefits of participating, please review the official Podcast Challenge info document. Submit A Podcast Now CS for Michigan Conference CSforMichigan will be hosting two days of focused learning, networking and in person tinkering on all things Computer Science. We hope that you block off the time on your calendars to join us for our in-depth approach to CS on October 3-4, 2024 . There will be a new structure for the event this year with the conference focusing on in-depth connections to CS. Registration includes both days, some meals and a hotel option. Learn More Here MACUL EdgeU Badges Program MACUL has partnered with Forward Edge to provide 100 SCECHs for educators through the Edge•U Badges program. Edge•U Badges is a powerful, instruction-focused professional learning system that adapts to the needs of educators. Edge•U builds teacher capacity and directly impacts student learning in the form of microcredentials (badges). Sign Up Today May 2024 Partner Updates CDW Special Offer for MACUL Members As this school year draws to a close, we have an opportunity for you to ensure your Google Workspace for Education domain is ready for the fall! As a valued member of MACUL, you can now take advantage of an exclusive 10% discount on CDW’s Google for Education Audit service from now until June 30th, 2024.   Why should you perform a Google for Education Audit? Google Workspace for Education 250-400 updates each year and it can be difficult for IT admins to keep up with the changes. You’ll be provided with a 100+ page document of curated recommendations that are tailored to help you improve your: OU Structure Google Calendar and Gmail Shared Drives Google Vault Chrome OS Ensure your Google Admin console is safe, secure compliant, and prepared for the 2024-2025 school year with CDW’s Google for Education Audit service. Ready to get started with this limited-time off? Claim your 10% discount and contact your Google Customer Success Specialist, Mallory Cisneros, for a quote by June 30th via email at m.cisneros@amplifiedit.cdw.com. Learn More Foundational Questions for Generative AI Usage Common Sense Media is proud to partner with F3 Law to provide education organizations and professionals with resources that help support the responsible integration of today’s technology tools in education. Learn More The K-12 State of EdTech Leadership Report The education technology profession is constantly evolving, and a lot has changed since we conducted our initial survey of U.S. School System EdTech leaders in 2013. What hasn’t changed is the goal of CoSN’s annual survey—to give our community a national perspective on the EdTech landscape, the challenges EdTech leaders face, and the successes they have had. Review the Report Intro to Careers Enrichment Courses Whether your students dream of becoming a nurse, exploring laboratory sciences, or becoming a content creator, we have the perfect enrichment course to ignite their passion and expose them to various fields of study. Help them explore subjects that pique their interest with our complete Enrichment Platform! Share these options with your students, colleagues, and parents, as opportunities to keep them learning anytime beyond the classroom! Register for the Courses REMC Professional Learning Courses REMC Courses provide an opportunity to enhance personal or professional learning by exploring technology tools and instructional practices. Each course is FREE, 3 weeks in length and requires 10 hours of time to complete. Work includes new learning and application of that learning within your role or capacity. Courses require at least 1 live interaction with the instructor. All courses are facilitated by Michigan educators. Review May REMC Courses REMC Bonus Update – AI Webinar Series In this webinar series, educators will have the opportunity to explore AI topics in a structured yet interactive environment. Led by trained facilitators, these virtual sessions will last 75 minutes each and each will cover an AI-related subject such as basic fundamentals, examining risks, best practices and ethics, and applications in education. Learn More About the AI Series Are you enjoying the MACUL Newsletter? Ever wonder why our newsletter goes to your SPAM Folder? Does our newsletter get delivered to another folder besides your main inbox? We have a solution for these issues. Be sure that you have added newsletter@macul.org to your contacts list. You may also choose to “whitelist” this address in your email. Whitelisting allows newsletter@macul.org to be recognized as a contact and ensures delivery to your inbox.

Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning | 520 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917

Deadline Approaching: Submit your nominations for the 2024 QM Awards

The second of two items from the folks at QM.

Submit Your Nomination This Week

Don’t miss out — submit your nomination for the 2024 QM Awards by May 18! This is your chance to advocate for wide-scale professional acknowledgement for yourself, a colleague or an institution you admire. QM Award winners gain much-deserved recognition and attention for their commitment to quality, bringing more credibility to the investment they’ve made in service of their learners. Award winners also act as an inspiration for other educators, helping them to see why quality assurance work is so important and motivating them to take action. “Receiving a QM Award was more than just an honor. The award had a lasting impact on my career by demonstrating to my peers, my institution and the world that I am committed to building quality for learners. It also validated my work in achieving equity, inclusion, and a caring attitude for our faculty through continuous improvement.” — Dr. Richard Espinosa, R.Ph., Pharm. D., QM Award Recipient Submit your QM Award nomination in any of four categories: Outstanding Impact by an Individual in Higher Education Outstanding Impact by a U.S. Higher Education Organization Outstanding Impact by a Non-U.S. Higher Education Organization Outstanding Impact by a K–12 Individual or Organization Ready to help shine a spotlight on someone making a difference for students? Get started now: Review awards submission criteria Download and complete the nomination form Upload your submission by Saturday, May 18 Contact us if you need help with your submission. Reward Impactful Leadership  Submissions are also open for the Ron Legon Leadership Award for Quality Digital Education. Presented by QM and MarylandOnline (MOL), this special honor is reserved for those who have changed the online education quality assurance paradigm for the betterment of students and educators. For more information and submission requirements, view the award criteria. Winners will be recognized at the 2024 QM Connect Conference in Rosemont, IL — November 4-6.

Quality Matters (QM) is the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. It provides a scalable quality assurance system for online and blended learning used within and across organizations. When you see QM Certification Marks on courses or programs, it means they have met QM Course Design Standards or QM Program Review Criteria in a rigorous review process.

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