Shake Up Learning: Practical Ideas to Move Learning from Static to Dynamic

by Kasey Bell

It's Time to Shake Up Learning!This isn't a book about technology, Google, silver bullets, or pie-in-the-sky thinking. This is a book about LEARNING!Technology is not a magic solution for education. It is an opportunity! An opportunity to shake things up, to connect and grow, and to create dynamic learning experiences for our students!  In this three-part book, you will explore WHY it's time to Shake Up Learning, WHAT changes we can make in our classrooms to support dynamic learning experiences, and HOW to plan meaningful lessons for your classroom.Rapidly evolving technology and the demands of the digital age are transforming not only the way we live but also the way we learn. COVID-19 changed everything! Technology can no longer be ignored. Learning can now go BEYOND the bounds of the school walls, beyond subject and grade level, beyond digital tools as substitution, beyond the due date, and even beyond the school day. One thing is Educators cannot continue the status quo if they expect to equip young people for the world to come. 

Teachers now find themselves trying to figure how to teach online. This idea of remote learning, home learning, distance learning, or virtual learning is much different and requires more than just posting an assignment online.

Here's the good With digital tools that are available 24/7, learning doesn't have to stop when the bell rings. Learning can take on a life of its own! Even better, technology can help you connect with students and empower them to grow and develop a lifelong love for learning--and it doesn't have to be scary or complicated. 

Shake Up Learning is a powerful guide and planning tool to help educators at all grade levels make the most of technology. Educator and blogger Kasey Bell guides you through the process of using technology and proven techniques to make learning dynamic. You'll discover . . .

Practical strategies to help move from static teaching to dynamic learning

Straightforward and easy-to-use templates for crafting engaging learning opportunities

Tips and tricks for fearless implementation of powerful lesson plans

Advice for moving from one-and-done activities to learning that evolves and inspires throughout the school year--and beyond!



But wait...There's more!

This is MORE than just a book! This is a full LEARNING EXPERIENCE!

Dive into the Shake Up Learning Experience, including,

ShakeUpLearningBook

The companion website, loaded with additional resources, articles, videos, discussion questions, and actions, and more for each chapter of the book--PERFECT FOR A BOOK STUDY! (Each chapter has its own dedicated webpage.)

FREE Templates and Downloads

Download the FREE Shake Up Learning Quickstart Guide, a 20-page guide to Dynamic Learning! Consider this your cheat sheet.

FREE lesson templates from the book (i.e., Interactive Choice Boards) that you can revise for your classroom

The FREE Dynamic Learning Lesson Plan Database

Ever wish there was a way to find lesson plans all in one place--for FREE? You got it!

Here you will find all the model lessons in the book, including a link to the Google Doc so you can make a copy and modify for your classroom.

You will also find lessons that have been shared by teachers around the world.

Genres: Education, Teaching

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2018

About the author

Kasey Bell is part sparkling smile, part witty personality and a whole heap of passion as big as a Texas--go big or go home, y’all! She is a disruptor of the boring. An engaging, innovative, from the heart sharer who inspires educators while transforming their teaching with original, timely and use-tomorrow ideas for student choice, differentiation, and technology integration.

Whether it is learning from home through online courses, professional development, conference workshops or as a keynote speaker Kasey is a relentless innovator of ideas and a devoted transformer of classrooms and teaching.

Through teacher empowering publications and award-winning educational resources at ShakeUpLearning.com, learner-driven workshops and presentations and co-hosting Google Teacher Tribe weekly podcast, Kasey proves why we should never settle for the boring when it comes to bringing out the very best in our students, and we should always strive to Shake Up Learning!

Co-host of The Google Teacher Tribe Podcast
Author of Shake Up Learning: Practical Ideas to Move Learning from Static to Dynamic
Google Certified Innovator
Google Certified Trainer
Digital Innovation in Learning Award Winner in “Sharing is Caring”
One of 20 TrustED Educational Thought Leaders
Award-winning blogger and social media influencer
#3 EdTech Blog
#2 Female Influencer in EdTech
#3 EdTech and E-Learning Influencer
Must Read EdTech Blog
Edublog Awards Finalist

ShakeUpLearning.com provides teachers and educators with easy to understand, use tomorrow resources for Google and G Suite for Education, mobile learning and classroom technology integration through digital learning resources, technology tips and tricks, in-depth e-courses, books, resources, cheat sheets, blog publications. and podcasts.

Reviews

[Angie]

I read Kasey's blog posts and listen to the Google Teacher Tribe podcast so when I got the chance to try out this book it was a no brainer and I was not sorry. There were so many times I was like "yes" and "yes" and "yes" and "yes" and "yes."

This is not so much a book for the tech tips and tricks. Those change so often it's better to look for the more fluid blog and podcast than a print source for that! This is about changing the mindset (both students and teachers and if necessary administration and parents) and old ways of doing things to create different experiences around school and learning. Experiences that will be more long lasting and will allow the kids to strengthen the skills they will need to become productive, educated, and creative members of society. It's presented in a do-able manner. Don't throw out the baby with the bath water. A little at a time, where you can, here and there. Every chapter has online resources linked through her website. Every chapter has discussion questions and actionable steps to start making small changes.

A few favorite lines from the book

"A lot of people have been throwing technology at the problems in education, hoping for a panacea that will magically deliver us to the twenty-first century, but technology is not the answer. The shift that needs to happen in education starts with you and your drive to shake up learning."
Well if that is not the truth I don't know what is. Sits on the wall or on the table or in a drawer and only gets used as playtime because that's all anyone knows to do with it. No wonder it hasn't made a change.

"The challenge is not only keeping up with new technologies released daily but also staying current on well established applications ... it's a race we are not winning, nor will we ever. All we can try to do is filter out what is unnecessary and drill down to what is most worthwhile."
Don't try to do too many things at once! Another reason this book was important for me. I'm pretty good at the tech and integration ... but prioritizing where it's most impactful instead of "oooh, that's cool, where can I use that?" I could probably be more mindful of that.

"Your new life is loading right now--think about that for a moment. What lies ahead? We are still in the early years of the twenty-first century."

"It won't happen overnight, but we can take small steps... Try not to get overwhelmed by the possibilities, and remember each step we take in the right directions gets us closer to that better and brighter future."

"Don't you dare trade your calling for something that is one and done."
In this day and age it's ... easy to think about trying other things. But this job is too important Fire up the passion by shaking things up!

"Creative problems solving requires that students believe they can find a solution and do something about it."

"To become dynamic learners, students must take ownership of not only their learning but their time, They must resolve to move beyond the Game of School and realize they have the power to connect to other resources to teach themselves new concepts and skills."
Oh my goodness the Game of School. So sad and yet that's exactly what it is. Especially this time of year.

"Is your why strong enough?"

Yep. A good read and one to return to!

[Karen Chichester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to confess, as much as I love to read, professional books are not my cup-of-tea, but I decided I would take a chance on Kasey Bell's new book Shake Up Learning. For me, reading this book was like listening to an old friend. I loved every minute of it. I love and rely on Kasey Bell’s website ShakeUpLearning.com and the Google Teacher Tribe Podcast to keep up-to-date on all things Google and ed tech related.

Kasey’s book, Shake Up Learning, is organized into three parts. The first part explains in clear, friendly prose why we teachers need to change the way we teach. Ultimately, this part is a call to action, a call for teachers to reflect and make a thoughtful and meaningful change in our teaching practice. Part two leads the reader to a thorough understanding of what dynamic learning is and how it differs from traditional (static) learning. Part three encourages teachers to rethink the way we plan our lessons to fit the Dynamic Learning model. Kasey includes real-world examples of dynamic learning experiences and a planning guide to get us started.

At the end of each chapter, Kasey includes thoughtful discussion questions and Chapter Actions. These helped me to focus my thoughts and gave me practical suggestions on what to do next. The accompanying website,/a> has links to all of the resources mentioned in the book. This book would be a good choice for a school book study.

[Stefani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bell's SHAKE UP LEARNING is a quick read because of the incitement to redefine our classrooms. She gives us (teachers, administrators, teacher educators, etc.) a plan to shift education in the classroom and "beyond." If you involved in education at any level, add this to your reading shelf.

[Pam Hubler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book! This is one of those books that you have to have a hard copy so you can write, highlight, and tab all over. I've read it twice, and I'm about to read it for a third time! If you are a teacher wanting to use technology to make your lessons more engaging or a coach wanting to help teachers plan using the 4 C's, this is the book for you! Kasey Bell often has book studies through Facebook, so check out her Shake Up Learning Facebook group for more details. Get your copy today!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kasey Bell is the kind of person we all aspire to be, and she gives us all practical ideas that we can put to use now, I mean right now in this book. I loved the writing style, because I felt like I was talking to an incredible friend. Being from Texas myself, I love an author and speaker that can embrace that part of them and get RIGHT DOWN to the WHY we should be teaching that, yes that, in her book. She speaks in real talk that anyone can understand. You don't have to be a pro to "shake up" your learning here. She has you covered. It is comfortable and easy to get lost in this book. I had planned to read this in stages, but ended up staying up until the early hours of the morning because I just could NOT STOP READING! She has a companion website to help make this book interactive, and that is one of the things that is so incredible here. She is truly remarkable in her support. It is not just a "buy the book, thanks, see ya later" with Kasey. No ma'am (or sir), she is one of my all time FAVORITES on Twitter, and her website is truly the BOMB.com. This book would make an AMAZING book study for anyone looking for that, because there are spaces for reflection, there are discussion questions, and it truly asks you to look at yourself as an educator and reflect on what you are doing. The online resources for each section are so helpful, and I encourage everyone to take a serious look at this book. It is a MUST HAVE for educators, administrators, curriculum specialists, and anyone in the field of education who wants to take back the way we teach our children. We really do need to "shake up" the learning environment, and Kasey Bell shows us how with practical ways that we can use now, by questioning WHY we do the things we do, and by showing us how we can change them.

I want to leave this review with a quote from her that I LOVED.

"Ignite the ordinary. Stop waiting for the paradigm shift to happen. Dare to believe the impossible. Teach with audaciousness. Be bold. Have audacious faith in students." ~Kasey Bell

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action steps. This is what every teacher actually needs from a professional development book. Kasey Bell has crafted the perfect guide to truly turn your classroom into a dynamic learning experience.

The book is written in three parts: The Why, The What, and The How. The first part describes exactly why education is in need of a major overhaul. Much of this has to do with the growing technology in our world. However, Bell makes it very clear that teaching is never about the technology you can use, but the learning that takes place. Having followed Bell’s blog, ShakeUpLearning.com, for the purposes of learning about technology in the classroom I have to admit I didn’t expect this when reading. Explaining that technology is just a vehicle to make learning more dynamic and not meant as a substitution for the traditional ways of teaching.

Section two goes into great detail to explain what dynamic learning is all about. Filled with specific examples and definitions, there should be no confusion as to the meaning of a dynamic learning experience. Throughout this section I found myself taking notes on how I could update current lessons or curate new ones. This section will resonate with brand new, somewhat new and even veteran teachers. If using technology in your classroom makes you nervous this book is what you need to ease your fears. The same goes for those of you who are always using technology with your lessons. Bell’s book really makes you think about the ways in which you are using that technology and whether or not it’s effective.

Finally, the last section delivers a very powerful how to guide. There are specific lesson examples provided and a step-by-step guide to creating your own dynamic learning experiences. All of this partnered with the online resources for every chapter has success written all over it. Bell set out to provide a complete guide that would useful for teachers and this exceeds any expectation you might have for needing a book that can actually help you be a better teacher.

[Yeseida De La Torre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Shake Up Learning: practical ideas to move learning from static to dynamic by Kasey Bell is a book intended to shake up educators out of their comfort zone and traditional teaching methods and inspire them to redesign their teaching style to reach 21st-century learners. Reading this book has inspired me to reevaluate my lessons for the next school year. The chapters are short, and at the end of each chapter, there are discussion questions to ponder on your own or discuss with colleagues and some action steps the reader can take to use the material covered in the chapter. What I like the most about this book is that it is an interactive book. According to Bell (2018), this book is not a how-to manual for all the latest digital tools because if it were, it would be out of date as soon as it was published. However, the book includes tips, tricks, downloads, links to her blog, and a companion website that includes tons of resources she has discovered or created even after publishing the book. After reading each chapter, the reader can go to the companion website to find lesson plans and ideas on integrating what the book just covered into their daily lessons. Bell does an excellent job of keeping the companion website up to date, so even though the book was published three years ago, the resources on the website are current. When I looked at the companion website, I was amazed at all the resources it contains, and I like that everything is applicable to any grade level or content area. My students will greatly benefit in my classroom from the tips and tricks that I have learned and the changes I will make in my pedagogy after reading this book.

[Ludin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Kasey Bell’s book as it was very encouraging and easy to read; however, I felt that the intended audience was educators who did not or were reluctant to incorporate technology into their lesson planning. I felt Bell lacked in giving more examples, plans, and templates. I know she has online sources but I really wanted to find them all in one place, the book. The majority of her examples were for Language Arts and Social Studies Lessons, and she only included one lesson that was math-related, but it was for kindergarten. As a math teacher, this was discouraging because I wanted to see more examples and read about the teacher’s experiences.
Bell was very encouraging about being and feeling uncomfortable, which I appreciated. I realized that I was uncomfortable with feeling uncomfortable when planning and implementing lessons. Had she not repeatedly mentioned that it was normal and necessary in order to develop dynamic lessons, I would say I was still feeling stuck and fearful about failing in my attempts.
Unfortunately, I would argue that Bell’s book is a bit outdated. I am sure that this book would have been great in 2018 when she wrote it, but I currently know the majority of it. Especially as a student in a Master’s in Educational Technology program, there was only one new thing to me: the learning menus. The learning menus were great and provided students with options to own their learning, which I appreciated. However, overall the book was geared more toward the reluctant teacher who is still printing copies every day. Especially after a year of virtual teaching, this book did not provide enough for me to be relevant.

[Liset Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book encompasses the importance of incorporating meaningful digital tools while maintaining 21st century skills in the learning environment to increase student engagement and overall success with the curriculum implemented. The book contains the "why', "what" and "how" needed to "shake up learning" and better prepare students for the future workforce. There are helpful resources located after each chapter in addition to a companion website https://shakeuplearning.com/ that contains digital tools, resources, articles, videos and discussion questions that can be readily incorporated to improve instruction. The book also includes many tips that are pertinent to maintaining an effective LMS during the current distance learning phase.

[Tori Riches · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our education system was created during the industrial revolution to prepare compliant factory workers. That’s not the world we are preparing kids for now, but its still the way our school system works. We must do better to prepare kids to be entrepreneurs, to create, to lead, to learn.

I agreed with Kasey Bell in this book and felt thankful to work for a school that prioritizes so many of her ideas, though the entire system needs a shake up. The writing was cringey, but the passion was contagious.

[Steven Sutantro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you an innovative teacher? or innovative teacher wannabe? If your answer is yes or even no, this book will give you A to Z how to start your dynamic journey that will make you the next level teachers. You will find why, what, & how you can make a difference throughout your teaching career. Inspired by Kasey Bell's journey and practical examples, you will be more than ready to transform the way you live a teacher life!

[Jaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is one word to describe this book, it would be challenging. Throughout the book, Kasey Bell challenges the reader with questions like “What kind of world are you preparing your students for?” and “Are you playing the game of school?” she holds a mirror up to traditional education and points out where it is lacking. Thankfully, she also gives lots of great advice on how to shake up the system and better serve our students.

[Martin Botha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

Absolutely amazing. This book has inspired me t take my teaching to a whole new level. I'm always looking for new ways to connect with my learners. Although I teach in a system that is not technology oriented, this book gave me so many ideas to make my teaching more dynamic. This is a must read for ALL teachers, new and old.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most educators at the moment, I’m trying to come up with ways to make online learning more engaging. If that’s what you’re looking for, this isn’t it. This is more cheerleading...telling us what we already know. There isn’t a lot of hands-on help here. This is pretty much a summary of all the professional development books I’ve read in the last 5 years.

[Heather Stringham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time to.Shake Up Learning.

Bell explains how she has initiated this concept and then shares how teachers can do this too. This is a good book for all grade levels and gives good tips o how to use tech every day.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how practical this book is. It's not over the top ideas that only a few teachers can implement, but a very simple plan for effectively integrating technology into any classroom lesson.

[Mel Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

written in simple language that is easy to follow. A lot is common sense and what we already know (especially if you are a teacher of a constructivist nature) but great for immediate ideas and to share with new teachers on your staff.

[Cindy Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great and I enjoyed working through it via questions through the facebook book study I did. Thanks Kasey for helping me think through how to make learning more dynamic for students. I honestly was expecting a book about tech tools. This was so much more! Highly recommend

[Susie J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge Shake Up Learning fan and I loved this book! There are many practical tools that can help teachers transform their lessons overnight. Kasey shares a variety of Google tools and provides practical ways to infuse them into the curriculum. Your students will thank you. 5 Stars!

[Mandie Ballman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any teacher looking to change things up in their Classroom needs to read this. I learned different ideas that will help my students learn to become more independent learners. Highly recommend for any grade level.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great ideas here!

[Kim Caise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ideas to enrich learning and instruction!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Harmony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring book that helps guide you with plenty of resources to take action!

[Wayne's · Rating 4 out of 5]

very useful hands on guide to establishing sound modern teaching practice.

[Tamij · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but probably more geared towards novice level.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely keeping for my future classroom! Tons of great ideas and resources.

[Terri Fleming · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas. Many recycled ideas.

[Kara Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best education books I've read in a while. So perfectly lays out there how we need to shake up education to personalize it for students and make them better prepared for the world they will live in as adults. Provides some tech resources but really focused on methods. Absolutely awesome.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a self-help book for work purposes ... also as part of my TKES goal for the year. It was great and informative.