​Innovative Learning and new technologies will transform teaching and learning and
​enable a new generation of education ​and workforce development solutions in Arizona
On  September 28, 2015 GAZeL, launched the Arizona Innovative Learning Collaborative at our Forum on Innovative Learning 2015 and Beyond: Challenges, Opportunities, Technologies and Strategies. The Forum was  convened in cooperation with other business, education and community organizations. ​ 
While GAZeL remains committed to eLearning
eLearning is just the beginning! Innovative Learning is so much more!

​Innovative Learning is eLearning and So Much More!

  • eLearning
  • Innovative Learning
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Why eLearning?
eLearning and collaborative technologies are saving money and dramatically changing the way we educate, communicate and conduct business. Today organizations are targeting students, employees, customers, and even investors with eLearning initiatives.

​While eLearning is being recognized as a cost effective tool to transform education, provide workplace training, and enable life-long learning, eLearning is also providing cost effective solutions for business development including sales and marketing presentations, customer and investor relations, technical support and product training, collaboration and online meetings, project management, and much more
​
What Is eLearning?
Generally when people think about eLearning they envision online learning aka web-based learning, or distance learning. But eLearning also encompasses everything from computer based learning including DVDs, desktop apps, and Cable TV, to smart boards, and now mobile devices and apps. eLearning makes learning accessible anytime, anywhere, provides life-long learning opportunities, and complements or provides alternatives to traditional learning environments such as classrooms, homes, libraries and workplace settings.
 
These technologies enable applications such as:
  • Virtual classrooms
  • Digital curriculum
  • Simulations
  • Game based learning
  • How-to' videos
  • Augmented reality
  • Virtual laboratory experiences
  • So much more
 And communication and collaboration technologies such as audio/video/web conferencing, social media, and streaming media such as webcasting and podcasting, provide convenient access to:
  • Worldwide communication
  • Online meetings
  • Events
  • Workforce development opportunities
Innovative Learning encompasses new ideas and technologies such as
  • eLearning & Blended learning
  • Open Education Resources 
  • Digital curriculum
  • Innovative learning spaces
  • Mobile learning
  • Individualized self paced learning
  • Competency/outcome based education
  • Flipped classrooms
  • Adaptive learning models
  • Data analytics and assessments
  • Innovation Labs/Makerspaces
  • 3D printing
  • Coding
  • Project based learning
  • Robotics
  • Game based learning
  • Virtual lab experiences
  • STEM Education
  • Manufacturing
  • Career & Technical Education
  • So Much More

Why The Collaborative?

Innovative Ideas and New Technologies Are Transforming Education
While issues such as funding, politics, testing, and legislation tend to dominate the education agenda in Arizona, innovative ideas and new technologies are transforming teaching and learning, workplace training, and the way we do business! 
Need For Collaboration
While there is amazing innovation taking place in education,  we need to see greater collaboration among our education innovators in libraries, business, government, education and community organizatons. 
We are not about politics, policy, and issues such as funding and testing!
We will be about education innovation, technology, and collaboration!

​Collaborative Goals - Innovation, Technology, Collaboration

Create A Culture of Education Innovation ...
that promotes and supports adoption of innovative ideas and new technologies that will transform teaching and learning and enable a new generation of education and workforce development solutions in Arizona. ​
​Develop opportunities for collaboration ...
among learning innovators in education, libraries, business, government, and community organizations to  cooperate on initiatives that will support adoption of new and innovative strategies and technologies​.
Innovation and technology must be infused in all Arizona discussions about education reform.

Who Should Be Involved In GAZeL and the Collaborative?

Advocates and Innovators who want to connect with fellow Arizonans committed to transforming education in Arizona through Innovative ideas, new technologies and collaboration that will enable a new generation of education and workforce development solutions in Arizona. Unlike many organizations that focus on a particular sector, the Collaborative will engage:
  • Innovators and administrators from libraries, K-12 education, charter schools, public and private colleges and universities, and community colleges.
  • ​The business community
  • Elected officials and  government agencies
  • Nonprofit community schools and organizations
  • Innovative Learning and related enterprises​
  • Education advocates and organizations
  • Parents and homeschoolers
  • Students
  • Technology and innovative learning nonprofit organizations.
  • ​Innovative Learning enterprise executives and practitioners
We Are Off and Running...
 Here are some of the organizations already participating:  University of Arizona, ASU, Pima Community College, University of Advancing Technology, West-MEC, Arizona Department of Education, Arizona Technology In Education Association, Arizona Telemedicine Program, Arizona Business and Education Coalition, the Game CoLab, Center for the Future of Arizona, Arizona State Library, for profit companies and more.  .

​​Collaborative Activities

Activities May Include
  • Creating Communities of Interest Teams
  • Presenting Innovative Learning Conferences, Forums, Workshops, Webinars
  • Hosting AfterHours Networking experiences
  • Developing the GAZeL website as portal, event calendar and resource directory
  • Sending Newsletters/email updates
  • Encouraging and providing access to Innovative Learning research in Arizona
  • More

​Communities Of Interest - Imagine What We Can Do If We Collaborate!

2017-2018  Teams/Communities of Interest
  • Gamified Virtual Laboratory Simulations
  • Games In Education and The Workplace
  • Collaborative Professional Development
  • Innovative Learning Conference: Creating A Culture Of  Education Innovation: Strategic Planning for Innovation, Technology and Collaboration for our Arizona K-12 Schools, Universities, Community Colleges, Libraries and Community Organizations
  • Open Education Resources Network
  • Makerspaces Network
  • State and Local Innovative Learning Plans
  • Partnership with Pima Community College STEM Innovation Challenge
The Teams/Communities of Interest will:​
  • Develop new relationships and partnerships
  • Share ideas and resources
  • Exchange best practices
  • Pursue joint projects and funding opportunities
  • Develop mutual professional development strategies
  • Pursue and share research opportunities
  • Engage in other cooperative initiatives that will support adoption of new and innovative strategies and technologies

​Arizona's Learning Innovators mixin-it-up in a Community Near You!

Regional Collaboratives and Networking
The Collaborative will develop Regional Collaboratives in Tucson, Phoenix, and other regions in Arizona, with Local Champions and Leadership Teams, in sync with the statewide Collaborative.

We will also host monthly  networking events in those regions simultaneously, same day and time, all connected with live video conference links.  ​The Agenda for the Networking events are simple, site host introductions, brief innovative learning presentations originating from one or more locations, and time on the agenda for announcements or requests for help. And, of course, refreshments, and networking, networking and more networking. ​This will enable education innovators in business, government, education & nonprofit organizations to network and collaborate in their local communities but be a part of the statewide Collaborative. 

Collaborative Online Community

​We are developing an Innovative Learning Collaborative Online Community to communicate, collaborate, share information, post files, and coordinate the Teams/Communities Of Interest. An invitation is required to join the online community. Contact us if you are interested and we will send an invite.

​Collaborative Organization and Structure

GAZeL, the Greater Arizona eLearning Association. will convene and support the coordination of the Collaborative. Leadership includes:
  • The GAZeL Board Of Directors
  • The GAZeL Coordinator 
  • Local Community Collaboratives and Coordinating Committees
  • Communities of Interest Teams

More About GAZeL and the Innovative Learning Collaborative

See pages on this web site to learn more about GAZeL, our events and initiatives for 2015 and beyond, things we have done, opportunities to get involved and invest in GAZeL,  and, how you will benefit from participation