Learning Connections is a program which is funded by the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat and is targeted at junior division teachers in 9 school boards throughout the province. 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 acheivement in the areas of literacy and numeracy, Learning Connections has created a community of learners from across the province who are able to connect in a virtual environment through our Learning Connectionsl portal.
In this our third year of operation, the program has focused on a "project" based approach to sharing and learning together. 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 porject 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.
Thorugh 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.
For more information about the Learning Connections program go to their website at www.learningconnections.on.ca. For more information or to register with the Learning Connections program, please contact [email protected]
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