https://padlet.com/mcarpenter03/kd6me1xi4lvp3utq Connected Learning! en-us 2021-10-16 14:30:44 UTC 2025-12-29 16:47:29 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4da.png mcarpenter03 https://padlet.com/mcarpenter03/kd6me1xi4lvp3utq/wish/1821341210 This week our focus was on connected learning, multimodality and how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequity among students. 

When asking the question why connected learning, I think it is important to step back and recall the structure of the United States educational system and the inequities that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students of color and of lower socioeconomic status are at a distinct disadvantage from white affluent students both in terms of access to digital resources and also with regard to the ways the education system reflects and rewards different cultural compentencies. Some ways this has specifically played out is with lack of access to working internet, tablets/computers and online curriculum; but also, it is illustrated in the ways that Black, Indigenous, or Latinx (and many more) cultures are undervalued in the classroom. 

Connected learning offers a way to address this by tailoring instruction to provide students to build connections between their interests and passions with academic, civic or career success. This naturally allows all students to pursue their differing interests, and creates a more culturally responsive environment. In addition, students can use a variety of formats to facilitate these connections-- such as via YouTube, TikTok, etc. ]]> 2021-10-16 18:32:49 UTC https://padlet.com/mcarpenter03/kd6me1xi4lvp3utq/wish/1821341210 mcarpenter03 https://padlet.com/mcarpenter03/kd6me1xi4lvp3utq/wish/1821345708 While I found our handout and the tutorial helpful, I think padlet is a bit strange in how things are organized. I thought it was really easy to add text to answer the questions, etc. but I did find it a bit challenging to format in a way that I usually would. I think the aesthetics got in the way of my learning a bit, as I get caught up in how I would like something to look and a bit frustrated when that is hard to achieve. That said, I think this would work well with older students because the personalization of padlet allows them to include pieces of their personality in their academic work. ]]> 2021-10-16 18:38:50 UTC https://padlet.com/mcarpenter03/kd6me1xi4lvp3utq/wish/1821345708 mcarpenter03 https://padlet.com/mcarpenter03/kd6me1xi4lvp3utq/wish/1821347785 I LOVED this reading for the connections that I was able to draw with my current job and how I am hoping to teach in the future. One of the areas of conflict at the YWCA currently is that some of us think it is important to have flexibility in units to reflect what our students are talking about and what is going on in our communities, particularly as our key skills are social-emotional in nature. Separately, others are frustrated at the lack of a strict curriculum that is followed throughout the year. I see connected learning as bringing these together by retaining the focus on student-guided learning in a way that is closely tied to academic success. I'm still uncertain about how I'll do this in my own classroom but I am very excited about the challenge to do so. ]]> 2021-10-16 18:42:08 UTC https://padlet.com/mcarpenter03/kd6me1xi4lvp3utq/wish/1821347785