Given the consensus on preparing students for their future, it seems prudent to reconsider what college and career readiness means in our current context to help inform our efforts. Right now we find that more than half of all college students are taking at least one online course and 58% of Americans work from home at least one day per week. It is clear that we are in a hybrid world and that the world of the future will include a blend of in-person and digital experiences.
I believe that leaders have a responsibility to model what they hope to see from others. As a result, I believe that the adults in our learning communities should also be immersed in both digital and in-person experiences that help to develop their awareness, capacity, and empathy to support young people to drive their learning in this new and changing context.
By embracing these hybrid learning opportunities, adults:
- experience firsthand the benefits of personalized learning, self-directed exploration, and continuous growth.
- gain insights into the flexibility, autonomy, and individualized support that learners need to thrive.
- enhance their own learning.
- become powerful advocates for learner-centered approaches in the classroom.
When educators and administrators prioritize hybrid learning for adults, they are not only investing in their professional growth but also setting a precedent for the transformative learning experiences we aim to provide students.
Explore how you can bring online and in-person, learner-centered professional learning into your district to blaze a trail to a brighter future for your learners.
Yours in learner-centered collaboration,
