As schools advance the use of technology in education, additional skills are needed for both students and teachers. Autonomous learning, also called student-centered learning is tied to the change in focus in the classroom from the teacher to the student. In this Personalized Learning environment, teachers need to have the skills to be facilitators, and explicitly direct student learning while also developing larger professional roles in designing and leading schools.

Personalized learning is based on the concept of allowing students flexibility and a voice in how, when and where they learn while tailoring that learning based on individual student need. For students to thrive in a personalized model they must have critical autonomous and digital learner skills. These skills fall under the social emotional skill set. Teachers need to ensure that they are explicitly teaching these skills at each grade level.

At the same time, teachers need support as they integrate technology into instruction to engage students in their learning. Teachers are integral to a student’s success. Thus, a large variety of professional development opportunities, coaching and instructional supports are necessary in order to expand and deepen the teachers’ skill sets and knowledge.

Download this Journal Poster to learn how three school districts are meeting these needs.

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