This session will include activities that directly address the ISTE Standard of the Empowered Learner where learners take an active role in using technology in their learning goals that is informed by the learning sciences. In this case, UDL is the learning science that is used where the participant can step into the learner’s shoes or choose a learner they know and then use the UDL Lens to build a Learner Profile where they are able to identify strengths and challenges in the what, how and why of their learning or a learner they know. With the Learner Profile, they will build a Personal Learning Backpack that includes tools and apps along with the skills they need to support a challenge or enhance a strength. In the end of the session they will learn how to develop a Personal Learning Plan that includes a learning goal and a set of action steps for learners to gain independent learning skills that can lead to agency. The session will conclude by reflecting on this 3-step process discussing what steps they could take this school year to empower all of their learners to develop agency in their learning.

Presenter Bio: Kathleen McClaskey (@khmmc) is Co-Founder, CEO and Chief Learning Officer of Empower the Learner, LLC (empowerthelearner.com), founder of Make Learning Personal (kathleenmcclaskey.com) and co-author of bestsellers Make Learning Personal and How to Personalize Learning. She is an innovative leader, international speaker, professional developer, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) consultant with over 30 years experience in creating learner-centered environments as a teacher, K-12 administrator and consultant. Kathleen is passionate in empowering ALL learners with tools, skills and practices so they become self-directed learners, learners with agency, who are future ready for college, career and life.