From Google Classroom to Chapters of Learning

I teach Computer Science to 6th-12th grade students. Our CS team is in the process of building our Computer Science curriculum in alignment with the K-12 CS Framework which focuses on 5 key concepts:

1. Computing Systems
2. Algorithms and Programming
3. Networks and the Internet
4. Data and Analysis
5. Impacts of Computing

My traditional mindset was to create one unit for each concept. To help guide and document the dynamic learning of my students, I was creating one Learning Guide for each unit of study. One of the obstacles I began coming up against was having to create fixed units of study with content that is 100% interconnected. I was getting rapidly disorganized (and highly frustrated) and felt so "stuck" in developing fixed/compartmentalized learning experiences for my students. 

Learning is dynamic and should be able to flow across concepts as seamlessly as possible. I needed to find a more effective way that would allow learning to happen in this manner. I wanted my students to "flow" in and out of concepts and together create living, learning experiences that would grow with us throughout the year. At the end of the year, I want something "tangible" that we can look back to see how much we have grown in our understandings.

With this innovative way of using Google Classroom, I no longer need to have "finished" Learning Guides or Slide Decks. Our learning resources can grow with us! We are daily writing our stories of learning.

Bonus: At the end of the year, we will have a "complete book" filled with our learning journey that we can look back to!