Are you heading to the National Convening on Personalized Learning next week? The goals of the Convening have always been to share what’s working, provide networking opportunities, and stretch the thinking of participants around personalized learning topics and practices. As the largest conference in the country exclusively focused on personalized learning, it’s a great opportunity to take your understanding of student-centered learning practices to the next level.
At the Institute, we have always believed that successful transformation to a personalized learning ecosystem is best accomplished through powerful networks that are fueled by connecting with others, consuming information and strategies, creating new designs, and contributing to the field. With that in mind, here are some ways you can utilize the “4C’s” and strengthen your network during the Convening.
Connect
One of the best benefits of the Convening is the chance to make new connections. Here are some tips:
- Introduce yourself to at least one person you don’t know each day.
- Sit at a table with people you don’t know at least once during the conference.
- Attend a Quick Connect session or two to explore a topic in a smaller group.
- Check out the Recharge Station and connect with people while you power up your device.
Consume
There is A LOT to consume at the Convening. Look through the agenda and take a few minutes to think through what you want to get out of the two days.
- Make a note of the break-out sessions and 50/50 sessions that are covering topics you would like to learn more about.
- Sign up for an Expert Office Hour session to talk with seasoned practitioners.
- Walk through the Fishbowl sessions on Wednesday afternoon to see educators and learners in action.
Create
Creating is about ensuring that the connections made and the information consumed at the Convening lead you to new designs, lessons and practices.
- Workshop sessions are designed to be hands-on and interactive. The intent is for participants to leave those sessions with strategies and ideas to implement right away.
- Consider attending the Teachers Network Meeting/DIY session on Tuesday afternoon where you’ll have the opportunity to “make and take” your own learning solutions.
- After the Convening, take time to review your notes and work out a plan for putting what you learned into action in your classroom, school or district.
Contribute
Finally, there are several ways you can contribute during and after the Convening.
- Share your perspectives via the Convening backchannel using the hashtag #PLconf17.
- After the Convening, share what you learned with others in your district who were not able attend.
- Talk to your students about what you learned and share something new you’d like to try in the classroom to make it more personalized.
- Consider submitting a break-out proposal next year and share your expertise with others.