EdCuration: Where We Reshape Learning kristi@edcuration.com

In this episode we learn from Andrea Becker, the lead instructor at the Virtual Learning Academy Consortium (or VLAC) in Michigan, and her colleague Amanda McKay, the supervisor of student services with VLAC.  While virtual learning was happening prior to 2020 but it has certainly been normalized as a viable option for many more students since the pandemic. We wanted to learn from Andrea and Amanda, veterans in the field of virtual learning, about how to do it well, and the components that make it most effective, and the curriculum program that is bringing huge success to students at all levels of need and ability.
 
 
Resources:
Learn more, or reach out to Lincoln Learning here
Check out Lincoln Learning's podcast and Lincoln Learning's blog
Hear how Lincoln Learning is partnering with Urban Green Education to reach learners across the globe
 
Learn more about Michigan's Virtual Learning Academy Consortium
 
Micro Professional Learning ExPLorations - fun and free, 1-hour digital Professional Learning for teachers from all content areas and grades levels
EdCuration's Blog: Learning in Action

Dr. Charles Dana Hall, co-founder of Sterling Literacy Consulting, works with schools and districts across the country, many of which have been identified for improvement, to bring them to recognized levels of high performance in reading. In this episode he shares his passion and the research-backed strategies that serve every student - offering many examples of what is possible when using the science of reading systematically. 
 
Resources:
Reading Eggs is the multi award winning online reading program for grades PreK-5. Fully aligned with the Science of Reading and utilizing the five essential keys to reading success, the program unlocks all aspects of learning to read for students.
Reading Eggs is trusted by teachers for its curriculum alignment to state standards and proven effectiveness, earning ESSA Level III evidence certification. Learn more at EdCuration.com
 
Sterling Literacy Consulting works to provide . . .

all students with equitable learning experiences and access to rigorous instruction that develops foundational and life-long literacy skills so they can be successful in their education, life, and career experiences.


educators with professional learning experiences that are accessible, valuable, and immediately applicable to their instructional repertoire.

 
How the Brain Learns to Read - Professor Stanislas Dehaene 
 
#TurnThePageProject  - Emily Hanford
 
Sold a Story podcast with Emily Hansford
 
Micro Professional Learning ExPLorations - fun and free, 1-hour digital Professional Learning for teachers from all content areas and grades levels
EdCuration's Blog: Learning in Action

This episode of the EdCuration Podcast is brought to you by Sanako Connect at Multimedia Solutions Inc.
 
Guest Stephanie Knight from the Center for Applied Second Language Studies, explores the paradigm shift in world language learning catalyzed by technology integration, the significance of starting foreign language study early, and how global economy shines a spotlight on the shifting educational landscape.
We also discuss the ingenious iAgents 21st Century Global Competence Curriculum, a CASLS initiative aimed at solving 'resource scarcity' with creative approaches. This curriculum makes language learning an interconnected endeavor by introducing 18 different languages to elementary learners intersecting with fundamental subjects like math and English.
The episode also uncovers crucial insights into the rising demand for bilingual skills in the job market due to increasing globalization, cognitive boosters derived from learning a foreign language, the role of AI technologies in facilitating multilingual transactions, and the transformative potential of the Intercultural Pragmatic and Interactional Competence Framework. 
We scrutinize the effectiveness of language learning strategies in the modern digital age and the use of mixed reality for enhancing language learning experiences. Further, we discuss opportunities provided by the Center for Applied Second Language Studies to diverse learners, teachers, and leaders, and how to select high-quality language instruction programs that aligns with defined learning objectives.
This episode gifts you with practical strategies and tools to amplify your language-learning experience in the digital era.
 
Resources:
Sanako Language Lab from Multimedia Solutions is an agile, easy to use full-featured live online language lab. Teach any language in classrooms and remotely at the same time. No additional workload. Web-based. Runs on all browsers using PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones & Chromebooks. Teach synchronously or asynchronously.
Connects speaking pronunciation and listening activities develop students' fluency and confidence in any language. Developed following highest standards in accessibility guidelines to be accessible also for students including with disabilities such as deaf and visual impairments
 
Explore the resources of University of Oregon's Center for Applied Second Language Study
 
Learn more about Stephanie Knight here, or reach out at knights@uoregon.edu
 
Check out the Radio Ambulante podcast, with Spanish study and educational resources!
 
Micro Professional Learning ExPLorations - fun and free, 1-hour digital Professional Learning for teachers from all content areas and grades levels
EdCuration's Blog: Learning in Action
EdCuration's upcoming Online Events  

Dive deep into the exciting universe of Academic eSports with our distinguished guest, Dr. Katrina Adkins. Leveraging her vast experience as an educator and a passionate gamer, Dr. Adkins enlightens us about the significant role eSports can play in reshaping K-12 education.
The three key principals of eSports - curriculum, competition, and careers - underscore the transformative potential of a competitive, yet cooperative gaming environment. Dr. Adkins offers a fresh perspective on how eSports can boost learning experiences and pave the way for a myriad of career opportunities in the booming industry.
Redressing common misconceptions, she also addresses essential concerns about increased screen time and highlights the multifaceted benefits of eSports – from improved cognitive abilities and hand-eye coordination to fostering social-emotional learning. She offers rich insights into the progressive integration of eSports into academics, suggesting simple and practical steps for schools interested in nurturing competitive eSports programs.
This episode illuminates the path for educators, parents, and administrators interested in incorporating eSports, spelling out strategies for overcoming challenges and ensuring sustainability amidst high turnover. Dr. Adkins also demystifies the eSports job market, pointing out the wide range of careers that extend beyond gaming.
 
Resources: 
Ignite interest and engagement in computer science and STEM through the exciting field of esports. With the USAEL toolkit, students and schools will have everything they need to start and run their very own esports team, enhancing learning in the classroom through play.
 
Join the CodeCombat AI League -- both a competitive AI battle simulator and game engine for learning real Python and JavaScript code.
The AI League allows students to showcase their understanding of coding concepts in a new creative environment and practice problem solving strategies as they go head to head in battle against their classmates. Competitive coding has never been so epic! 
 
Follow Dr Adkins on twitter
Connect to Dr Adkins on Linkedin
And learn more about Dr. Katrina Adkins, her work, resources and speaking engagements check out Dr. Adkins' website
 
Micro Professional Learning ExPLorations - fun and free, 1-hour digital Professional Learning for teachers from all content areas and grades levels
EdCuration's Blog: Learning in Action
EdCuration's upcoming Online Events  

In this exciting episode of the EdCuration podcast, we are joined by Jeffrey Bradbury, an influential figure in educational technology. We discussed his journey from being a music teacher to a predominant instructional coach, highlighting the importance of adaptability in learning dynamics. We also tackled the misconceptions about the role of instructional coaches and their potential to tackle district-level challenges.
Bradbury’s commitment to open dialogue across all levels of the educational field is emphasized throughout the podcast. He stresses the necessity of better communication between administrators and teachers, as well as the need for a strategic approach to maximizing the efficiency of the resources available. The conversation also explores the contents of his book, in which he outlines his vision for the future of instructional coaching.
This episode also emphasizes the significance of the vertical approach, as opposed to the traditional horizontal one, when it comes to instructional coaching. We discuss how such an innovative method could be implemented from the central office level and the importance of collaboration across different departments.
Moreover, we explore how instructional coaches can prove their value using definable performance data. We discuss in detail the challenges faced by coaches in different situations, whether being the sole coach in the district or a member of a centralized coaching team. We also touch on goal identification, the building of support networks, and more.
Towards the end of the episode, we emphasize the importance of a unified strategic plan from the administration. We wrap up with a call to action for coaches to remember that they are not alone and to continually seek ways to assert their value within the education sector. Tune in to get a wealth of knowledge on instructional coaching and its potential to reshape the educational landscape.
 
Resources:
Edge*U is a powerful, instruction-focused professional learning system that adapts to the needs of educators designed by teachers, for teachers. EdgeU builds teacher capacity and directly impacts student learning in the form of microcredentials (badges). Talk to a representative, learn about bulk discounts, schedule a demo or inquire about a Free Pilot here. 
 
Reach out to Jeffrey Bradbury on LinkedIn
Learn how to leverage your strategic goals and Vision through your instructional coaches, to create a Standards-Based Culture for future-ready digital learning at Teachercast.net
 
Take your coaching to the next level with Jeffrey Bradbury at Ask the Tech Coach. 
 
Leadership Lessons from a guy dancing on a hill
 
Micro Professional Learning ExPLorations - fun and free, 1-hour digital Professional Learning for teachers from all content areas and grades levels
EdCuration's Blog: Learning in Action
EdCuration's upcoming Online Events  

Ayinde Bennett, from The Urban Assembly, is passionate about post-secondary success and career readiness. Learn about the tool and the program that is putting Urban Assembly graduates far above the national average in post-secondary success. 
 
Resources: 
Xello is the only career development program built with the entire district community in mind. Xello provides every student of all pathways the freedom to create meaningful future plans, while giving educators the resources they need to help students.
With a carefully designed, student-centered experience, Xello meets accessibility standards and offers age-appropriate career development for every student K-12. Xello creates effective educator workflows so you can spend less time checking boxes and more time helping students.
Schedule a demo, or talk to a representative
 
Connect with Ayinde Bennett on LinkedIn
 
Learn more about The Urban Assembly. Meet Ayinde's team and learn more about their post-secondary readiness program. 
 
Micro Professional Learning ExPLorations - fun and free, 1-hour digital Professional Learning for teachers from all content areas and grades levels
EdCuration's Blog: Learning in Action
EdCuration's upcoming Online Events