I recently had an "aha" moment on the subject when my son, following in his proud mother's footsteps, completed his engineering degree and set out to find a job. During the process, he quickly determined that there were some key skills that would give him the edge in obtaining the job he'd set his sites on, skills that had not been part of his university curriculum. To fill the gap, he completed a series of adjunct courses offered through MIT's online continuing education program. The story ended happily and he landed his dream job.
This is an excerpt from an article that I read recently discussing some if the reasons that schools haven't been fully embracing digital learning, and suggesting that there is, at least, one main benefit. That benefit is a customization of learning that is illustrated in the quote above. Customization in letting students have choice in what they learn, how they learn it, and how they demonstrate what they have learned.
Does any of this sound familiar to what you've been hearing around the Highlands lately? Be reflective about what you are really trying to accomplish with your students. I know you hear this somewhat regularly from different members of administration, most recently Mrs. Viniard at the opening day institute, but it is an important part of changing behavior. Realize your strengths, and reinforce them. Recognize areas that you need to improve and overcome them.
The article that the quote is from can be found Here.
