We’re entering a new era in education—and it’s time to update what “dynamic learning” really means.

When I first created the Dynamic Learning Framework, I wanted to help teachers go beyond the traditional classroom—beyond the bell, the grade level, the walls, the tools, and the due date. Those ideas are still important, but our challenges and opportunities have changed.

So in Episode 237 of The Shake Up Learning Show, I shared the first three of six critical shifts that every classroom needs right now—based on everything I’ve learned from teachers, tech, AI, and what’s actually working in 2025.

Looking for Part 2? CLICK HERE

Listen to this podcast episode:

Dynamic Learning 2.0: A Framework for What’s Next

I introduced Dynamic Learning back in 2018 when I published my first book, Shake Up Learning: Practical Ideas to Move Learning From Static to Dynamic. I later refined the framework slightly for my follow-up book, Blended Learning with Google. But we are long overdue for a revisit to this framework and revisions for the next-gen classrooms.

Below are the first three shifts we are making in Dynamic Learning 2.0.

Shift #1: From Fixed Schedules → To Flexible Learning Time

Then: “Learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings.”

Now: Learning is asynchronous, AI-supported, and more fluid than ever.

The traditional school day is still ruled by the bell—but learning doesn’t have to be. In the past, we encouraged students to explore and reflect beyond the classroom walls. Today, we must also embrace flexibility within the school day itself.

With AI tools, blended platforms, and asynchronous learning, students don’t all have to be doing the same thing at the same time to be engaged and growing. We’re not just asking when learning happens—but how students move through it in ways that work for their pace and needs.

What This Can Look Like in the Classroom:

Let go of rigid time blocks. Try using a weekly choice board. Let students choose when to complete required tasks, optional enrichments, or review activities.
Support student-paced workflows with practical tools. Flexibility doesn’t mean chaos. It means providing a structure that adapts to learners. Try posting all materials in your LMS ahead of time, create checklists to help students track their own progress, use timers or countdown apps for time-blocking and focus time, and screen-record directions students can rewatch. Use AI tools like ChatGPT to offer examples, explanations, or task breakdowns on demand.
Micro-learning moments count, too. Try “Quick check” reflections or low-tech exit tickets at the end of a flexible work block, 10-minute journaling, or quick reviews with flashcards in pairs.

Shift #2: From Standards-Only Thinking → To Interdisciplinary Exploration

Then: “Learning isn’t limited by subject or grade level.”

Now: Students need space to connect learning across disciplines and dive into what excites them most.

Let’s be real: not every teacher can rewrite their curriculum or get approval for big interdisciplinary units. However, small changes can make a significant difference—especially when we allow students to explore topics they care about and see how their interests intersect with what we’re already required to teach.

Dynamic learning today means honoring curiosity within the structure we’ve been given.

It’s not either/or—it’s both/and:

Yes, you still teach the standards. AND you create moments for choice, creativity, and connection.

What This Can Look Like in the Classroom:

Find the wiggle room. You don’t need to revamp your entire scope and sequence. Instead, ask:
Can students pick the topic they research, even if the process is standardized? Can they create a product that aligns with their strengths (a podcast, video, zine, etc.)? Can you offer 2–3 prompt options instead of just one?
Spark cross-curricular thinking—even in a single subject. You don’t need a full team-teaching setup to integrate disciplines.
Give curiosity a corner. If you can’t build a full Genius Hour, build a Genius 15 Minutes. Once a week, once a unit—just once.

Tip: AI tools like ChatGPT or MagicSchool can help you generate choice-based prompts that still meet the standards.

Prompt Example:
“Give me 5 ideas for a passion project that aligns with 5th grade ELA writing standards.”

Shift #3: From Classroom Walls → To Global + Guarded Connections

Then: “Go beyond the walls of your classroom to help students learn and connect globally.”

Now: Connection is still key—but it must come with caution and purpose.

We’ve long championed the idea of connecting beyond the classroom, but now we must be more thoughtful than ever.

With global collaboration tools at our disposal, students can share work globally—but educators must model safe sharing, protect student data, and use AI to support translation or anonymization when necessary.

This is about finding authentic, age-appropriate ways for students to connect safely—and still feel like their voice matters.

What This Can Look Like in the Classroom:

Global ≠ Public.
Consider curated audiences, such as school-based partners, sister classrooms, or verified educator networks.
Intentional purpose: define why you’re connecting. Is it to get feedback, spark empathy, explore cultures? Think: Connections, not exposure.
Model Safe Sharing: We can’t assume students know what’s safe to share—or how long it will live online.

Why This Matters

These three shifts aren’t just about technology—they’re about making room for what really matters:

Student agency
Real-world relevance
Safe, flexible, purposeful learning

And this is only Part 1!

In Part 2, we’ll cover the remaining shifts:

From Tool-Centered to Purpose-Driven Tech
From Completion to Ongoing Growth
From Survival Mode to Sustainable Teaching

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