If you're looking for a great way to push your learning and to collaborate with folks who may not be close by, Voxer is a great technology solution to bridge the gap and time. Folks can contribute from all over the world and the stories and sharing can really add depth the learning from the text. Plus there is something actionable about being accountable to a group that makes the reading happen.

Like with all good literature, there are many themes and lessons we can learn and apply to our every day lives... Harry Potter is no exception

Projects in this environment grow so many skills that go beyond the classroom learning, consider the whole child and promote interpersonal skills that make learning interactive and connective. Putting students in charge of their own learning with the implementation of a project-based environment allows students to truly own what they learn and create meaningful learning memories.

Planning for a project-based, student-led learning environment starts with a well-made assessment that allows for student choice while addressing many standards at the same time. Once the teacher determines and develops the assessment, he/she must backward plan to sculpt the look of each class period to best provide students with the instruction and resources needed to be promote successful outcomes.

Using technology for the sake of using it serves little purpose, but once we make it an integral means of developing understanding it becomes essential. Students look to us as models of this usage, so the learning must begin on our laptops so we can show kids how to use these tools with proficiency.

As the conversation about communicating learning continues to evolve, it's not just grades we need to reconsider but the means in which we assess students that determine that level of mastery.

Bring your passion to what you do and that will read when you share. I'm extremely passionate about my subject matter and because I'm being me, the audience will tell. My story is one that I'm proud to share and I'm glad I had the chance to share it.

Making mistakes publicly is hard and sometimes it even paralyzes some into not trying at all. I'd rather try and fail with the opportunity to try again than not give it a whirl because of fear.

Educational systems must be aware of the world they turn graduated students into and must adjust accordingly. We must consider changing the way the school day looks to better suit the needs of our learners instead of forcing all of our learners to fit into the landscape that was created over 100 years ago.

Too often, teachers worry like this... especially in the current climate of fear that many education reforms have created. It's time for educators to take back control of the system and worry smart, look ahead and problem solve so that our education system can do what it is meant to do.