Use of Space & Time – Investigating
(0-39%)
Element: Flexible Learning; Anytime, Anywhere
Description: By leveraging technology and media resources, digital learning options are available for students at any time of day, from home, at school, and in the community. The value of anytime, anywhere learning is dependent on access and capacity for use; ubiquitous, robust internet access and the capacity to use digital learning tools and resources effectively.
Possible Next Step: District leaders utilize existing research and trends to inform their thinking about flexible, anytime, anywhere learning. They do so by attending conferences, visiting other districts to observe models, leveraging internal and external expertise, and discussing options with colleagues, families, and other stakeholders. District leaders have sought out different perspectives and assembled concrete ideas for providing access to models of online and blended learning, while attending to the questions of equity around 24/7 access to device and high-speed Internet. They have investigated accessibility policies, including acceptable and responsible use.
Element: New Pedagogy, Schedules, and Learning Environments for Personalized Learning
Description: To facilitate more personalized learning, educators work together to identify and validate new designs for personalized learning where the use of time is adaptable and flexible. Associated resources are made available to all students both synchronously and asynchronously to promote flexibility.
Possible Next Step: District leaders investigate new designs for personalized learning wherein time is both adaptable and flexible. The district is identifying both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities by accessing existing research and reaching out to other districts that are using time differently to promote personalization. The district deepens their understanding of the infrastructure necessary to encourage personalized learning through new pedagogies, schedules, and learning environments.
Element: Competency-Based Learning
Description: One facet of personalized learning, Competency-Based Learning (CBL), integrates student voice and choice, flexible paced learning with timely support, and demonstration of academic proficiency. Pace of learning is flexible based on the needs of individual students and the challenges of complex, often project-based work. Timely support is provided to accommodate learning needs and guarantee access to content and resources. Upon mastery of explicit, measurable and transferable outcomes that demonstrate the application and creation of knowledge, learners move on to a new, targeted standard or course.
Possible Next Step: District leaders are accessing current research, investigating current trends, and identifying best practices with competency-based learning. They are utilizing extant resources to develop a deep understanding of competency-based learning as it relates to digital learning.
Element: Strategies for Providing Extended Time for Projects and Collaboration
Description: Districts are re-imagining the school day and school year by re-designing and extending learning time, providing greater access to integrated enrichment and quality instruction. Rather than rigid schedules and short class periods, time allocations are flexible, allowing for extended schedules and work time for complex projects. Digital learning enables students to productively use time during and beyond the school day, often redefining homework time.
Possible Next Step: District leaders utilize existing research and trends to inform their thinking about extending student use of time. By attending conferences and visiting other districts, district leaders have identified successful models at each level (elementary, middle, and high). They have investigated long-standing practices to identify schedule changes that may provide students with extended time for projects and collaboration.