My Most Important Gear

Gear: Use of Space and Time

This part of the framework states that "Personalized learning requires changes in the way instructional time is used and the learning space is designed. Many schools are shifting away from Carnegie units to competency-based learning. This type of system adapts learning to meet the needs, pace, interests, and preferences of the learner. As the pedagogy shifts, so too must the learning space" (Alliance for Excellent Education 2015).

This gear really stood out to me the most because as a Special Education teacher, I am constantly trying to discover ways to individualize and meet the needs of the varying types of learners in my class. In the past we have always had to include special accommodations and modifications in student's IEPs in order to provide them with things such as extended time, use of computer/special writing tools, modified assignments etc. that can sometimes make the student feel different than their peers or that stigma of having to do their assignments in another way. With THIS specific gear, it ensures that ALL students in a classroom have access to take control of their learning environment AND experience to best show their skills and meet their needs. I think that this class we are currently in is a great model of how education can be flexible and take time anytime and anywhere =]