Designer
Educators design authentic, learner-driven activities and environments that recognize and accommodate learner variability.
5a Use technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs.
Unpacking Guide
Personalize learning experiences: Capitalize on technology’s efficiencies and functionality to meet students’ individual learning needs, for example, scaled tests and quizzes; adaptability tools and features; software data that can capture where students are struggling or spending the bulk of their time; competency-based learning resources; tools that facilitate student reflection; project planning, organization and time management; communication; collaborative work; individual research and curation; and design and creativity.
Independent learning: Student ownership over their learning goals, demonstration of competency and structuring of work.
Learner differences and needs: Systemic learner variability that, if planned for and supported, maximizes student learning and engagement, for example, differentiation, assistive technologies and accommodations; building motivation to learn by stimulating interest; multimodal content delivery; fostering learner awareness of their work preferences and recognition of how academic work aligns to personal goals.
5b Design authentic learning activities that align with content area standards and use digital tools and resources to maximize active, deep learning.
Unpacking Guide
Authentic learning activities: Learning experiences that have value or resonance beyond the classroom/academics, for example, solving real-world local or global problems; career-/workforce-related projects and skill-building; wrestling with significant philosophical or intellectual problems; and design projects and processes.
Independent learning: Student ownership over their learning goals, demonstration of competency and structuring of work.
Active, deep learning: Leveraging digital tools and resources so students can gain mastery of content-area knowledge while also gaining vital competencies, including problem-solving, critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration, self-direction and belief in their ability to grow and improve with hardwork and perseverance.
5c Explore and apply instructional design principles to create innovative digital learning environments that engage and support learning.
Unpacking Guide
Instructional design principles: Established and evolving best practices and guidelines for designing learning experiences for targeted learners.
Create innovative digital learning environments: Maximize learning by designing effective instruction in a variety of learning environments and rethinking physical space to enhance new models of classroom learning such as blended learning, online learning and various device models such as 1:1 tablets or laptops, mobile devices and computer labs.