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Learning Together; 2014 Review and 2015 Preview

Happy New Year everyone! It has been a terrific year of personal and professional learning. I appreciate those of you who make "Nocking The Arrow" part of our learning agenda. This blog has evolved into my digital learning portfolio. I have learned that sharing my learning transparently deepens my thought, widens my perspective, enhances connectedness, and provides an archive of my observations and experiences.


Here are the three most popular posts from this past year on "Nocking The Arrow"

  1. How Can Teachers Make Their Learning More Visible? - This post is my plea for educators to become more transparent with their personal and professional learning. Transparently sharing learning has benefits the educator, his or her colleagues, his or her students, and other learners in general.
  2. Digital Badges For Teacher Professional Development - Digital badges can be used to acknowledge and distribute professional learning. Badges visibly identify achievements, competencies, and contributions to learning. Badges are being incorporated into certification programs and professional growth programs.
  3. Gamification vs. Game-based Learning, Who Wins? - Several of my colleagues who are adding gaming elements to their pedagogy wanted some clarification on these terms. Some wanted to gamify their courses, while others wanted to incorporate games into their classroom lessons. As we have learned, both elements present challenges and learning benefits.



As terrific as 2014 was, there is plenty more to be learned in 2015. "Nocking The Arrow" will continue to focus on authenticity and relevancy of socially networked learning. My interests in self-determined learning and digital portfolios will drive upcoming research, discussion, and reflections. I am looking forward to 2015 as a series of fantastic opportunities to learn with my personal learning network. I will be attending and / or presenting at ICE-2015, ISTE-15, Schoology NEXT-15, Tech Forum, and EdCamp Chicago - let's make it a priority to meet to share a story and a laugh. 

Happy New Year!


photo credit: ShutterRunner via photopin cc
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Location: Chicago, IL, USA

Comments

Timothy Scholze said…
Nice succinct reflection Bob. I would like to visit the topic of sel-determined learning with you. I have been asking around the twitterverse (@timbuckteeth, @alicekeeler, & @dajbelshaw) for a little direction on the EdTech front. I have already decided that I am pursuing an Open Networked EdD based upon the Peer 2 Peer University ONPhD. Best wishes in the new year and I look forward to when our paths will cross again 8-)
December 31, 2014 at 6:57 PM
Robert T. Schuetz said…
Thanks Tim. Your ambitions sound interesting and I look forward to discussing them with you. Best wishes back at you - 'til next time, Bob
December 31, 2014 at 7:06 PM
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