What is the goal of Connected Learning?

The authors of Connected Learning Modules promote thoughtful education that engages technology to provide opportunities for collaboration and practice of higher order thinking skills in English class. Our units (Modules) structure learning of English in a captivating way focused on practice and training of 21st century skills. We hope that our Modules will inspire other teachers to add Connected Learning to their repertoire of teaching methods!

Is Connected Learning a paid service?

No, it is not. All modules are available for free. Teachers can use them whenever they want and as many times as they want. Sign up for the CONNECTED LEARNING FACEBOOK GROUP where you can connect with other teachers.

Free thematic lesson plans in modules? How is it possible?

Our project benefits from co-financing of approx. EUR 186,000 received from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway as part of the EEA Grants. The project is also partially financed from the Polish state budget. The aim of the project is to increase teachers' competences, modernize pedagogy thanks to the implemented innovations, and promote wider use of the concept of learning through international cooperation of students. 

For which learners are the thematic lesson modules designed?

Our modules are designed for teenage learners (approx. high school age and/or grade 7 or 8 of elementary school) with English level spreading from B1 to C1 on CEFR scale (see CEFR comparison with TOEFL or IELTS scores).  This is only our suggestion – you can try the modules with learners of all ages and levels if you find the lessons purposeful for your curriculum.

How do I get started with these thematic lesson modules?

Start from the beginning: take the Strengths-finder Analyzer questionnaire (19 questions) and receive instant feedback on your strengths and needs for a successful hybrid collaboration with classes from different schools. 

Then watch the engaging, informative Connected Learning webinar which will clarify more queries. 

Finally, sign up for the CONNECTED LEARNING FACEBOOK GROUP where you can post your interest in the modules and find a partner teacher(s) whose students will collaborate with yours at a mutually agreed time of the school year. PLAN AHEAD! Don't wait till the last moment!

Where do I find another class to collaborate with?

It’s up to you. You can suggest starting a Connected Learning adventure with a teacher(s) and/or school(s) that you already collaborate with on other projects, or just your friendly English teachers at your own school or in your city. 

Alternatively, you can sign up for the CONNECTED LEARNING FACEBOOK GROUP where you can post your interest in the modules and find a partner teacher(s) whose students will collaborate with yours at a mutually agreed time of the school year. 

If you still cannot find a partner class for your students,  email us at connectedlearning22@gmail.com so we can assist you further.

Do I need to have a school from abroad to collaborate with?

No, that's not necessary. Although the thematic module activities are great fun for intercultural exchange if you collaborate with a foreign group, you can also work through the modules with a school from your own country or city, or even just on your own school, with your own students in different classes. Collaboration greatly enriches the learning, yet all Connected Learning modules are designed for both individual and group work, so you can use them accordingly.

Can I modify the lessons?

Of course! Remember to double check with your partner teacher(s) and group(s), so that you all agree on the changes and they don’t interfere with your connected learning.

When should I work through the modules?

Absolutely any time you want. Each module is designed for approximately 1-2 weeks of engagement. Decide with your partner teacher(s) and group(s) on a convenient time frame if you will work collaboratively, or rely on your personal calendar if you work individually. 

What should I do when I complete the work on one thematic module?

Celebrate your learning outcomes! If you want to share your feedback, email us at connectedlearning22@gmail.com - we’ll be delighted to hear all about it! Remember to send us links to your published learning outcomes, too!

Then, if you liked our thematic collaborative module, go ahead and collaborate on another one. There are eight, and each is filled with different activities, so your students will remain engaged throughout all of the topics.

What is the Strengths-finder Analyzer and where is it located?

The Strengths-finder Analyzer questionnaire aims to help you analyse your strengths and weaknesses to prepare for online/hybrid collaboration and achieve better educational results.

The survey mainly focuses on your readiness and personal attitude to become a teacher of the future! We hope our suggestions and experience will help you smoothly navigate between online and in-class lessons.

The Strengths-finder Analyzer  is divided into four parts:

• PART A teachers' attitude towards tech and the learning

• PART B school policies and rules on use of apps and programs

• PART C classroom management and students' responsibility

• PART D availability of devices & connectivity

At the end you will see the comments generated for your choices of answers. Suggestions and recommendations will follow. The survey is anonymous and will not take more than 10 minutes to complete. 

Click on this link to fill out the STRENGTHS-FINDER ANALYZER. 

What information do I get in the Connected Learning webinar and where is it located?

If you dream of teaching a class of highly-motivated and responsible teenagers, we encourage you to watch our professional training webinar to:

• Learn how to enhance student motivation through personal and technological engagement.

• Learn how to teach outside the box in a public school by combining the core curriculum and competences through our webinar and our collaboration project.

• Explore the potential of online collaborative modules, in line both with the curriculum and interests and needs of young people.

• Start a journey into the promising world of online collaboration, true engagement and sustainable educational change.

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE WEBINAR.

How do I sign up for the Connected Learning Facebook group?

 You'll need a Facebook profile (make a temporary one if you don't have your own) to sign up for the CONNECTED LEARNING FACEBOOK GROUP where you can post your interest in the modules and find a partner teacher(s) whose students will collaborate with yours at a mutually agreed time of the school year. 

How do I begin the collaboration once I have joined the Connected Learning Facebook group?

Once you have joined the Facebook group, you can access the GUIDELINES to starting the collaboration. Here is an example of the step-by-step procedure from our testing phase.