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Let Flexibility Lead To Alignment

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  In my previous school district, I was the only teacher teaching a physics course with set, district-wide learning outcomes. These same outcomes were also taught in physics classrooms at the other high school in our district. But at our school, I was one of the 2 physics teachers. The other teacher taught the AP-level physics courses. So, in many ways, I had opportunities to incorporate strategies I believed were best for learners and that I found worked best for them without being seen as out of alignment with anyone in our building. My amazing friend and one of my teaching philosophy goddesses, Katie Novak, stated the following misconception about alignment: All teachers must deliver instruction in the exact same way. True alignment, she says, is about shared goals, rigor, and outcomes. Thank you, Katie! Katie has taught me to truly believe that learner variability is the rule, not the exception. I encourage you to take 10 minutes to listen to Katie Novak explain it in the ...
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Listen to the Experts: Advice to Teachers on Canvas LMS

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As we come to the close of term 2 in the block, my current students are ending their time with me.  Although I like to get feedback through the entire course, the end of the course provides a great time for reflection.  
The first piece of reflection I’m having my students do this week is related to technology.  
As more teachers in our district use Canvas LMS, it's important that we get advice on how to best use it from experts. Students use Canvas in my course virtually everyday so I consider them experts. So why not listen to advice from those who use it the most and whose opinion matters most.


Summarizing the advice

1) Model how Canvas will be used in your classroom.
2) Use the calendar to help students keep track of assignments and test dates.
3) Upload worksheets and answer keys.
4) Keep all your uploaded files organized.
5) Consider using online document submission.
6) If you're going to use a Canvas feature, find a way to use it regularly

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