BLC17

Why do students choose online and blended options: Lessons to be learned from the ones who matter the most, our learners themselves. What role do grit, perseverance and self-advocacy play in propelling kids forward? 
Administrators, teachers, parents, community leaders and students are demanding change in schools to meet, and exceed, the needs of students. Technology is not the panacea, however it is a powerful driver that can be used to scale much-needed change in schools at a rate and pace that will serve an unprecedented number of students.  
How can we future creativity, grit, curiosity and innovation in classrooms within administrators, teachers and most importantly, students? 
This session will utilize modern philosophies of Dr. Brene Brown and Seth Godin as the underpinnings of how to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit of educators and students in order to leverage the power of technology in schools. Research from the 2016 report published by Evergreen Education (""Why do students and their families choose blended/online options?"") will be incorporated, along with initial findings from the 2017 FBOL/Evergreen Education study, titled, ""Tapping into the creative spirit of the teacher to integrate blended options in classrooms to personalize learning"". Additionally, major trends, case studies and profiles will be incorporated into this session to highlight specific examples. 
How can we continue to move ""ahead by a century"" as individuals? In order to do this, we must embrace the soft skills that lie beneath the cognitive surface. Come join this session to find out!