Free Agent Learning

Explore how students are disrupting education by using digital resources to support self-direct learning Free Agent Learning: Leveraging Students' Self-Directed Learning to Transform K-12 Education explores an emerging cohort of students that are self-directing their learning around interest-driven topics, the tools they're using to scaffold these experiences, and their motivations for these out-of-school learning behaviors. Readers will find new insights and frameworks for effectively leveraging the lived experiences of their students and transforming their schools' cultures, norms and practices. In this book, readers will learn how education leaders can translate a newly emerged understanding about students' self-directed learning into actionable knowledge to improve teaching and learning Free Agent Learners also offers: Info dispelling the myth that real learning only happens in a classroom Discussions of how modern students are using digital tools, content, and resources for purposeful learning outside of teacher direction or sponsorship Actionable tips and accessible strategies for the use of the Free Agent Learner Ecosystem to support school improvement Perfect for K-12 school and district administrators and decision-makers, Free Agent Learners is an eye-opening read for anyone involved in the education of primary and secondary school students.

About the Author xi Acknowledgments xiii Introduction xvii 1 Understanding the Student Vision for Learning 1 2 Defining Free Agent Learnership 27 3 Motivations for Free Agent Learner Behaviors 55 4 Meet the Free Agent Learner 95 5 Free Agent Learning Activities and Behaviors 115 6 The Free Agent Learner’s Perspective on School, Learning, and Technology 143 7 Why Schools Are Not (Yet) Ready to Embrace Free Agent Learning 177 8 Why the Free Agent Learning Ecosystem Matters Today—Student Engagement 219 9 Why the Free Agent Learning Ecosystem Matters Today—Equity in Learning 259 10 Ten Things Education Leaders Can Do Today to Support Free Agent Learnership 287 Index 323