Brandon Langer from IU23 joined us! Lauren McMinn and I love to talk with Brandon and his colleagues Christy and Anne whenever we can. They do great work at MCIU and our partnership these past three years has really been one, that I think, makes us all better. It is fun to be part of Intermediate Units that empower us to provide opportunities for learners that they might otherwise not have.
Brandon oversees instructional technology from the Curriculum and Professional Development side, he understands the back end of technology and is a great bridge between the user experience and the learning experience. He is cutting edge in working to help get everyone what they need - including online learning opportunities through MVP (Montgomery County Virtual Program) and the World of Learning.
He and Lauren have worked closely together this year to provide MCIU districts with World Language Instruction. Bradon has also guided us as we will be using the Genius SIS - that MVP, also used. Brandon is helping us to #reducethefrenzy!!
Some takeaways from our conversation:
We are all familiar with Youtube - fixing our snowblowers, weedwhackers, or even sewing a button. Everyone loves to be able to learn something they didn’t think they could.
Virtual learning is exploding. Everyone knows a little bit about it now!
Some do it really well (Like WOL and MVP).
Some had a pandemic experience in virtual was not so good - not for lack of effort, but really for lack of time to plan and develop.
We want students to have programming and access to what is relevant to them. Well thought out, and well-designed courses increase the ability of students and others to feel comfortable and confident learning in an online environment. Whether the learning is synchronous or asynchronous, well-designed instruction and well-trained instructors make all the difference.
Building Presence -Modeling good communication is critical. This makes people feel like they are a part of the program and process.
Brandon host podcast conversation for continued learning
Build trust in the people who deliver - through communication they get to know each other.
Technology needs people! Everything digital won’t solve your problems. Issues around poor leadership and management cannot be band-aided with a technological solution. We won’t solve the issue of teacher shortages with technology.
CTE and more specialized programs in the virtual world - we should not limit what we offer students by our local resources.
Online simulations
AI opportunities
Creative thought and scheduling.
“All students are virtual learners! (Even in the brick and mortar setting).” Katey Bruch
Advocate and remind people that the human, the artist needs to be served as well. The ARTS contribute and are integrated into science, math, and thinking!
We need to see all learning as academic. Not just the ‘subjects’. Look at the brilliance of the CTE welder, the musician, the athlete, the artist.
Don’t let schedules be barriers to success.
Photo by Alice Dietrich on Unsplash
Some of the stories we hear about the virtual experience:
We are so glad you found a solution for my child - so that they could take a course.
Your communication is amazing.
A student moved and was able to continue taking Japanese at the new school.
A few tips for building relationships as we head back to school:
Sir Ken Robinson resources:
A Future for Us All - Sir Ken Robinson
A collection of videos of Sir Ken Robinson - YouTube
How to talk so kids will listen:
Worth reading:
Building Classroom Community Through Daily Dedications | Edutopia
Who inspires you? Model appreciation for your students and let them try it, too.
What Educators Appreciated About Each Other This Year | Edutopia
It is so important to build relationships among the adults!
What can you do for your colleagues this year that helps them know they are valued?
3 Key Areas for High School Educators to Reflect on This Summer | Edutopia
Celebrate the good!
Build GOOD Habits, not traditions.
Reflect at the end of the day, week or quarter, together.
As always - thanks for reading, listening, and following us. If you like what you are hearing and reading - pass it on!
If you need help finding a teacher for World Language, Calculus, or Chemistry - let us know!
We Do This Everyday #18