Starting a Learning Revolution: Helping Students Navigate Learning Pathways

Starting a Learning Revolution: Helping Students Navigate Learning Pathways

Written by: Laura Christie

March 12, 2021

Last year before COVID19 hit, I was charting new ground with lesson planning. I was developing lesson paths where I gave students options for learning information on a topic. My pages on Canvas were pre-loaded with options for students. I even wrote about this journey on my personal blog, “UDL and Learning Paths.” Students were given essential questions, goals/standards, options for learning, choices for sharing their learning, and a reflection tool.

A year later, I have learned to ideate so many lesson plans that make digital learning more engaging and asynchronous—while still being at a level that promotes choice with deep learning. I have learned further ways to provide support and engagement. My journey is like most educators. You start small and then keep working on an idea until it matches the vision you had.  It is a choice to brainstorm ideas for learning and then be willing to improve my craft.

Now rather than a few lessons, my students will be on the Road to Revolution with a truly revolutionized unit of study. I have added Gallery Walks of Images, Smithsonian Interactive Museums, Podcasts, Quizziz Games, Thinglinks, and Nearpods to the choices in a lesson.  Students will still have the same framework but with much richer menus of opportunities. Much of my influence in planning comes from my background in UDL and using the 5 E’s of digital lesson planning. However, I get inspired by others like Dr. Caitlin Tucker and books like Edu Protocols.

Below, I will navigate my changes with you. You will also have access to the resources that helped me transform my unit. I will give you tutorials in how to make your own resources. In addition, if you teach 5th grade you will have access to all of the lessons, so you can use them this year. Regardless of your grade of subject area, let the ideas spark your creative juices. Your students are waiting for their own journey of rich choices.

Together we will revolutionize learning!

Resources

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Contributor

  • Laura Christie is an educator in her 21st year who desires to see all kids engaged in classrooms where learning allows for variabilities and student agency. She believes in developing bonds with students and helping them find their passion. Laura has presented at IACTE on Student Led Passion Projects. She holds credentials in UDL, Universal Design for Learning, and uses the UDL guidelines to guide instruction. Her passion is curriculum with technology integration and helping lead educators to grow in their craft. Currently, Laura serves as the ELA RtI Coordinator in her school and the Data Analytics Committee at the district level. In 2020, Laura is a IU Jacobs Educator recipient to help support technology integration in Indiana. Laura’s background is in Elementary Education with a Special Education minor from Ball State University. Additionally, Laura obtained a Masters in Educational Administration at Butler University, EPPSP, while teaching 5th Grade Humanities at Sand Creek Intermediate in Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

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