The Learning Revolution Weekly Update October 14th, 2014 In some cases we learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself. Lloyd Alexander The Learning Revolution Project holds online and physical learning events, and highlights professional development opportunities from a network of 200 partners in the learning professions. Interested in becoming a Learning Revolution Partner? MORE

Now that online games have become so popular among K-12 students, school and district administrators can use gamification techniques to create a positive school climate and encourage positive behavior by individual students who have differing needs. Systematic Gamification. For administrators, Classcraft’s ability to measure and promote student engagement in real-time helps them advance initiatives like PBIS, SEL, and personalized learning. MORE

www.getalma.com ) Alma Technologies has announced it is allowing any SQL-based business intelligence tool, such as Tableau and Jaspersoft, to access data from its modern, student information system and learning management system. BLACKBOARD ALLY ( www.blackboard.com ) Blackboard announced that Blackboard Ally is now available for multiple learning management systems used by K-12 school districts. Software & Online ALMA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. MORE

Awe is a driving force for learning that will not just benefit our students now, but also well into their future. However, traditional views and functions of school deprive many students from experiencing the joy and power of awe as a catalyst for meaningful learning. We have a responsibility to awe and students need us to bring this element into their daily learning experiences, such as those aligned to Quad D of the Rigor Relevance Framework. MORE

Now we are all professionals and have never actually done this during a PD session (well I hope not) but I have certainly had the feelings to do so. Mandating that teachers attend a specific training, and never surveying them to ask what they need, or what they would like to learn. and finally, One size fits all PD- professional development that is not differentiated by content, expertise, grade level or delivery. Their professional learning should be personalized. MORE

But the reality is also that we’re going to have to prepare for a fall that – whatever it looks like – will include an online learning component. Even if we go back to face-to-face learning, we will all have to be prepared to teach online, and the best way to do this is to first educate ourselves with research and pedagogy. Learning online will also help us become better teachers and now is the perfect time to take an online course. Blended learning is not new. MORE

With traditional one-size-fits-all professional development, many teachers get overlooked and fall through the cracks, just like our students, resulting in poor implementation in the classroom. Differentiation and personalized learning opportunities are just as important for teachers--creating empowering learning communities is key. Here are few of the unique ways educators are given opportunities to expand their learning environment through creative measures. MORE