So here it goes! Tomorrow for the first time I will begin leading a cohort of adult learners through an exploration of blended learning. The cohort is made up of my colleagues, fellow teachers, who are interested in blended learning. The cohort will meet once a month for the entire 2016-2017 school year. If you want to read about my plan in more detail, check out the proposal I submitted to Brent Wilson for approval.
I feel a bit nervous because this is an opportunity to provide my colleagues with meaningful PD and I want them to feel like their time is being well spent. I want them to truly feel their learning experience is meaningful. To accomplish this goal, I’m using my PD Top 10 List from INTE 6999.
10. PD is supported by the administration
9. Teachers are given PD choices or participation is voluntary
8. Technology must be easy to use and must work
7. Teachers learn in collaborative, peer-based teams
6. Experimentation and risk-taking are valued
5. Training is on-going and includes coaching or mentoring
4. PD is relevant to teacher and students needs
3. Teachers take ownership, they don’t just buy in
2. Teachers create something to implement with students
1. PD is teacher led
I believe our blended learning cohort will be able to meet all the criteria in my Top 10 List. If I can make that happen, I believe my colleagues will feel like their time is well spent. I also organized our process and learning targets into three cycles to clearly illustrate the plan to the cohort. I think they will appreciate the time dedicated to applying their learning with kids.
I’m excited about tomorrow and the venture I’m about to begin with my friends and colleagues. It’s an exciting opportunity to learn together. Here’s to a great start!
UPDATE: The session was a huge success! Everyone is super stoked about beginning this adventure together! Everyone loves the idea of working toward creating a project they are implementing with students. Here is a snapshot of some of the thinking we did.
Wes Akers 
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