This blog is intended to serve as an information hub for what’s going on in the field of new learning. We will be highlighting the work of thought leaders, practitioners, youth, and organizations who add to the conversation about bringing students’ learning experience into the 21st century using digital media inside and outside the classroom. By meeting youth where they are using modes that are authentic to them, we empower youth to take control of their own learning and find their voices. We will also be sharing some of our own fieldwork in the hope that it will inspire and support innovative educational practices elsewhere. In addition, because educators are busy people and don’t necessarily have time to learn about every new product, we’ll share what we’ve learned about free web-based applications and services that might interest our readership.
Highlight new learning research and leaders (NLI at Inquiry)
Showcase NLI programs through the eyes of practitioners and participants (NLI at Work)
Review new media tools and apps (NLI at Play)
Discuss best practices in the field of new learning (NLI in Practice)
Speculate on the future of new learning, asking “what if” about the various types of organizations that are engaged by the field (NLI Looks Ahead)
Please feel free to contact us or comment on our blog posts.
About the NLI Bloggers
Sarah is a program manager for the Pearson Foundation, where her expertise in assessment has been key to the development and ongoing enhancement of the New Learning Institute’s student, teacher, and summit programs. Currently, in addition to writing about New Learning Institute programs, Sarah manages the Million Voice Project, an initiative designed to document and analyze student engagement and to help address the related variations in academic performance in schools. She is interested in understanding students’ aspirations across groups, ages, and cultures, and in identifying ways to improve students’ academic engagement. Sarah has a B.A. (Global Studies, Asian Languages and Literature) from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in International Educational Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford University School of Education.
Jen is a program coordinator for the Pearson Foundation. She works with educators to integrate digital and social media projects into their classrooms or programs to promote youth engagement, academic success, and career readiness in the 21st century. Jen has also worked with the National Academy Foundation on professional development, curriculum development, and social networking. She is interested in finding new ways to use technology, media, and project-based learning to reform public education. She worked as an English teacher and Teacher on Special Assignment in San Francisco Unified School District for five years. Jen has a B.A. in English (Education, theatre emphasis) from Humboldt State University and a single subject California teaching credential from San Francisco State University.