Learning Connections
The Ontario Ministry of Education's Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat-sponsored Learning Connections project is a networked learning community and professional development program open to K-8 educators across Ontario. Its goal is to support the improvement of student achievement in literacy and numeracy.
Learning Connections applies many of the same principles of job embedded professional learning and sharing that have been established in the ABEL program. With a focus on improved achievement in the areas of literacy and numeracy, Learning Connections has created a community of learners from across the province and enabled them to connect in a virtual environment.
A central focus of the work in Learning Connections is the sharing of teacher development projects, activities and resources among participating educators.
Participating teachers develop classroom projects that support their literacy or numeracy program and which often include a technological component. The scope, size and complexity of the project is determined by the teacher. At the end of the unit, samples of completed student projects, along with a unit/project plan and the assessment strategy are posted in the Learning Connections portal. The opportunity for other teachers to ask questions or provide feedback is available via discussion forums.
Through the sharing of plans, assessment strategies and sample projects, teachers actively participate in a community of learners who benefit from the work of others while sharing proudly the accomplishments of their own students.
In addition to the project activity, the Learning Connections program provides participating teachers with access to educational information, webinars, videos and webcasts, teaching resources and much more. Teachers involved in the program tell us that their participation helps to break down the isolation that many would otherwise feel and allows them to connect with other like-minded teachers in a supportive community of learners.
To discover about the Learning Connections program visit www.learningconnections.on.ca, or email lchelp@yorku.ca.