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Generate Instant Pear Decks

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  I’ll keep this short as the video explains most of you. Any new educational technology can be complicated to dig into from scratch as you attempt to align it to learning outcomes.  Well, a new feature that Pear Deck has introduced has taken a giant leap forward to help educators do just that.  Before we jump into the new features, if you are unfamiliar with Pear Deck and why my students and I consider it the #1 EdTech tool that helps their learning, check out the video in the previous blog post.   But if you are more concerned with why you should even dive into Pear Deck or learn about this new AI generation of Pear Deck sessions to a learning target, check out the video below. Like I said, I’m keeping it short so you have time to watch the video. If you have questions, please contact me at mohammam@elmbrookschools.org or the Pear Deck Learning team at support@deck.peardeck.com . Also, check out the amazing Stacey Roshan's video on this update. 
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What's Your North Star?

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Any meaningful change in the classroom starts with a why and has a plan for implementation.  I recently began a process constructed by the Institute for Personalized Learning called Constellation Creation for intentional innovation in the classroom. It is a process designed to not simply craft a vision, but to craft a vision with steps for immediate implementation. I plan on writing a series of posts about the process I am being guided through with my friend and specialist at the institute Kate Sommerville.


The Constellation is a multi-step process where you go from a sea of stars
To a series of manageable elements that include learning, relationships, and structures.

It is filled with a series of guided steps that I'm currently working through with Kate.

It begins with finding your North Star. That vision that will guide you. It is the constant. What you look up to set your course by and correct your course to.  Here’s my vision.

When I think about my vision, I think Learner Agency sums it up. But it’s not as simple as just saying agency.  I see agency in two major components in the classroom: Learning and Assessing. As I build my constellation, agency will be a guide.  Moving towards a system in which learners are able to help co-design aspects of learning and assessment.

In the next stages of planning we will look at the what.  What are we looking for in the classroom and what elements of the personalized learning model are the best fit for making a part of our constellation.

Kate brought a great revelation to me that is totally in line with the Mantra of the Innovators mindset. That is the importance of relationships. That is why when crafting a constellation, it's helpful to look at the elements that align with relationships and roles in the classroom. Take a look at these. Which one or ones they line up with your vision for your classroom. How will you shape a vision around them?

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