Action step #4: Speed learning with multimedia text sets
and ideas from a rich variety of media sources. Learn more online at http://ly.tcea.org/mmts.
How do you build the background knowledge that K-12 or adult learners need? One approach could be team learning focused on multimedia content. Engaging students with team learning methods has positive achievement results (Slavin, Karweit, 1981). The same goes for adult learners. In this way, you combine varied, effective strategies. How can you use technology to speed diverse learner instruction?
Action step #5: Make learning connections visible
For me, learning involves sense-making, mixing information and ignorance. You create an idea collider. What survives the force of many collisions is what results. Get faster learning with more content and learner interactions.
Several ways are possible. They range from inviting guest speakers to working with primary source documents. News stories sources abound online (http://ly.tcea.org/freenews).
Juxtapose team learning with multimedia text sets. Using Lisa Highfill’s multimedia text sets, you can accelerate learning. Even more so, you can scaffold team learners. Create Multimedia Text Sets (MMTS) to ease the introduction of new information. MMTSs help learners glean information
“Why does this matter? How is this going to be of value in my life?” Those are two questions that disarm most educators. In this final action step, make the impact of learning viewable to learners.
Many schools are working hard to show growth for each student. Use the action steps above to bridge the gap between learners’ present status and the future they are capable of. n
Miguel Guhlin is director of professional development at the Texas Computer Education Association.
References Alston, Denise (2006). “Closing Achievement Gaps: An NEA Association Guide.” Benner, Diana (2018). “Five Culturally-Responsive Instructional Strategies.” Available at http://tinyurl.com/ycmpnhdh Bhat, Jyothsna (2017). “Attention Spans in the Age of Technology.” Available at https://tinyurl.com/y8d3ttye Biggs, Sharon M. (2013). “Superintendents’ Beliefs about Barriers That Can Influence Their District Technology Leadership Practices.” Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs). 1873. Available at https://tinyurl.com/y7qyle4o Bokai, Dina (2016). “Open Innovation Thrives in Spaces of Juxtaposition.” Available at https://tinyurl.com/ydghxmwt Fisher, Ossa (2015). “8 Proven Ways to Help Close the Achievement Gap.” Available at http://tinyurl.com/ybvp9m6p GovTech Navigator (2018). “Estimated 2018 Education IT Spend: K-12 vs. Higher Ed.” Available at https://tinyurl.com/y764jd5b Guhlin, Juan M. (2018). “Design Thinking Learning.” Available at http://tinyurl.com/y9l6pmwe Marzano, Robert J., Waters, Timothy (2009). “District Leadership That Works.” Pusey, Stacey (2018). “How Does Culture Impact Our Ability to Learn?” Available at http://tinyurl.com/y8ngggrn Slavin, Robert E., Karweit, Nancy L. (1981). “Cognitive and Affective Outcomes of an Intensive Student Team Learning Experience.” The Journal of Experimental Education,50:1, 29-35. Available at http://tinyurl.com/y785lz6w Staff, TCEA (2017). “Showcase Your School’s Success.” Available at https://tinyurl.com/y95v8l2l Staff, TCEA (2018). “Walk and Talk Podcasts.” Available at http://tinyurl.com/yahn3zl5 30
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