Am about to launch into a teaching assignment for alternative education via Viterbo.
My gut feel is that we’re in the business of creating converts to an alternative and sophisticated instructional style. We’re going to be modeling that process that they will be using for students … exactly parallel but at a different level/step in an extended learning process.
Several will be involved. Teaching/learning will be online
In this design I’m taking teachers on a tour of features with some handwaving
in the direction of the skill set. More important to get initial understanding and buy-in than a more complete technical understanding but lesser commitment or understanding on “how to” and “why”.
First sketch of a ten unit sequence:
- Week/Unit 1. Introduction: differentiating independent learning tracking vs lecture/reading. Testing out/competency demonstration, discussions, papers, projects.
- Week/Unit 2. Introduction to individualization.
- Week/Unit 3. Individualization feature 1: varied entry levels
- Week/Unit 4. Individualization feature 2: data sensitivity
- Week/Unit 5. Individualization feature 3: multimodality/multistation/multisocial options
- Week/Unitk 6. Personalization introduction – initial differentiation from individualization, student profile, student topic.
- Week/Unit 7. Personalization – student/person ownership.. it is their own becoming.
- Week/Unit 8. Personalization – character and potential centered.
- Week/Unit 9. Personalization – value driven.
- Week/Unit 10. Personalization – personal quests — yield: learning to learn, competency demonstration and individual ownership.
See today’s (2/11/09) entry at internationalae.blogspot.com for my contrarian take to sequential slices with varied entry points.
Maybe the sequence can be there but the collegial workshop, mutual help theme can be dominant.
Each person walks away with a usable product. Each receives and gives according to abilities and need. Grade on progress as opposed to absolute standard.
Would be huge/revolutionary change but perhaps more benefit and payoff for all if justly and wisely applied.
Okay: Final layer of challenge: do all of this communitarian stuff online.
Build community, create mutual support and trust and strong fellow-feeling within a working community WITHOUT breathing the same air.
Possible??
Worth trying for — particularly given that this is the only option — – — I’d still say yes. (with some weakness in knees).