Action-Planning for the New Normal: Making Sense of Our Time On Screens

Overview

Amid the ongoing trauma of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the widespread shifts to virtual instruction, and the proliferation of screen-based learning, educators are now living, teaching, and leading in a new normal. The current moment presents a unique opportunity for educators to resist the urge to return to the routines, practices, and habits of pre-pandemic education and instead take the time to reflect, rethink, and intentionally plan for a future that meets the needs of all learners and educators.

So, how do we rethink our practice and integrate the emergent learnings, best practices, and strategies that have supported learners through hybrid, blended, and virtual education? How do we leave behind, or “unlearn,” some of the prior practices that are outdated and no longer meet current needs?

The goal of Action Planning for the New Normal is to support educators through the process of rethinking past practices and exploring their vision for the new normal that leverages technology to center the social, emotional, and cognitive needs of all learners and educators. You will leave this workshop with a practical action-plan that is specific to your context and outlines specific strategies for moving forward in a tech-enhanced learning environment.

Program Details

This four-week, asynchronous workshop helps educators in both the K12 and higher education sectors identify and reflect on best teaching and learning practices in remote education and incorporate those learnings into future plans for flexible learning. You will explore a range of resources, articles, and models to help you think about what would work best for you, your students, and your system. This workshop will feature HGSE faculty members Barbara Treacy, Chris Dede, Jal Mehta, and Jacqueline Zeller, along with alumnus and author Stepan Mekhitarian, as expert contributors as we explore the future of learning through media and technology.

The workshop is peer driven and lightly facilitated with an emphasis on developing a community of practice. 

Topics Explored:

• Social and emotional learning through media and technology
• Equity, access, and the digital divide
• Assessment norms, quality, and ethics in online and blended learning
• Engagement and motivation
• Informal learning through screen-based media
• Re-entry and transitional support
• Exploring and rethinking learning loss

Learning Objectives

• Reflect upon the experiences of using media and new technologies for learning
• Consider, discuss, and determine what strategies you intend to keep, discard, and/or rethink as you move forward in developing your practice
• Identify emergent practices for using media and technology to support children and young people from the perspectives of social, emotional, and cognitive development
• Consider specific and current present issues, including the concept of learning loss
• Explore the foundational research and theories underpinning practical strategies
• Apply your learning through concrete, practical action-planning and strategizing
• Engage in an active community of practice with educators from around the world

Who Should Attend

The program is designed specifically and intentionally for both higher education and K-12 educators at all roles and levels. The experience is differentiated to ensure relevance and applicability for participants. There are opportunities for collaboration among and across role-alike groups. Participants may include:

• Superintendents
• Principals
• Administrators
• Curriculum Directors
• Instructional Leaders
• Instructional Technologists
• Digital Learning Leaders
• Teachers
• Faculty

Fees & Policies

Tuition includes all instructional materials required for participation in the program.

Full tuition is due by the indicated payment deadline, please refer to the individual program’s community and application page for payment deadlines. While a purchase order confirms enrollment, full payment is still required by the final payment deadline. Please note that failure to pay by the payment deadline will result in your withdrawal from the program.

Please click here for more information on payment, refund, and withdrawal policies.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education reserves the right to change faculty or cancel programs at its discretion. The school is not responsible for any planning expenses incurred.