Personalized Learning: eSN Innovation Roundtable

Personalized learning has become a critical strategy in educators' quest to meet students where they are and drive engagement. Still, equitable access to technology, appropriate professional development, and better assessment tools can make or break these educational efforts.

During an eSchool News Innovation Roundtable focused on personalized learning, moderated by eSchool News Chief Content Officer Kevin Hogan, school leaders discussed their experiences with personalized learning, where they have had success, and what they think it will look like in the future. future.

Participants included:

Dr. Matthew Callison, Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, South Fayette Township (PA) School District
Diego Ochoa, Superintendent, San Mateo-Foster City (CA) School District

Key conclusions and insights from the roundtable include:

What does personalized learning mean in the daily management of a school district?

“We thought about how we can provide more personalized opportunities to students in terms of course content and learning experiences,” Callison said. “I think there's an element to that that involves technology, but really, how can we keep the human at the center and at the same time create more authentic and powerful learning opportunities for students that are relevant to their future?” .

In fact, looking toward the future is a key part of personalized learning. “At a high level, thinking about what are these opportunities that are relevant to students now and as they look toward their future, and how can we create that in the district, whether it's a new physical space or a new program, and then It's time to build teacher capacity, build buy-in and build those relationships,” Callison said. … “That's one of the ways we approach personalized learning, just creating more meaningful opportunities for students who haven't traditionally been in school.”

“Personalized learning is about creating learning experiences that put decision-making in the hands of children, what those students want to do and what they are excited to learn more about,” Ochoa said. “You have to have a curricular design, an approach that wants technology to enter the scene without being everything. And think about how the adults in your system facilitate personalized learning. It's really about getting into that student space and asking those big questions that allow them to push their learning in the direction they're passionate about.”

Take advantage of every opportunity to see personalized learning in action—in your district, in a new district, or at a professional conference.

“You have to go to these centers where ideas are shared, because the districts are present in those places because we know that it is an extension that often returns with another idea,” said Ochoa. “When you get your foot in the door, you come back with a list of things you want to follow up on.”

“You can't unsee something, so visiting a school or a startup and seeing how they do things, or seeing a new program at another school, just opens your eyes to what's possible,” Callison said.

“Sometimes it's just about sharing (within your district), just giving teachers the opportunity to learn from another adult, even if it's a peer in their own district,” Ochoa said. “We see the design of personalized learning as one thing, we see the investment in personalized learning as one thing, we see the theory of it, but there is also a space for professionals. “You have to get into that space and work with these people to understand how they are turning it into action with kids.”

What's next for personalized learning?

“We are helping students understand their strengths, interests and career preferences,” Callison said. “We will continue to create opportunities and programs that are built intentionally, around being inclusive and inviting all students to participate in them. We will continue to explore different technological solutions that could provide that additional support that we are all looking for. “I don’t think there is a magic formula, but there is definitely a place where technology can connect to provide support for both teachers and students, and even to build better communication between students, families and teachers.”

With the help of a grant, the Ochoa district will aim to boost personalized learning opportunities in schools that serve 80 percent or more homeless, foster youth, multilingual or low-income students.

“We have enormous income inequality,” he said. “What's on our agenda in the next five years is to look for innovative thinking and innovative programming that is individualized, that we can bring to these particular schools. “We want to give your kids experiences in their schools that give them all of this content.”

See more eSN innovation roundtables exploring critical educational issues

Related:
Agency and self-direction: giving students a voice
3 Simple Strategies to Boost Student Growth
For more personalized learning news, visit eSN's Innovative Teaching Hub

Laura Ascione is the editorial director of eSchool Media. She graduated from the prestigious Philip Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland.