I have learned that the 3 Column Table and the Understanding by Design (UbD) templates are both great frameworks for instructional design but serve different purposes. 

​

The purpose of using a 3 column table is aimed at clarifying lesson planning components such as objectives for learning, instructional activities, and assessment methods. This helps educators organize and align key components of a lesson to ensure coherence. Considering my 3 Column Table, I started with my "Big Hairy Audacious Goal” (BHAG) and broke down the learning goals for professional learning. Each goal included learning activities that I plan on using as well as assessment activities to help wrap-up the learning goals. This gave me an understanding of what my professional learning could be like.  

​

The UbD template provides a broader framework focused on curriculum design. This emphasizes the importance of beginning with the end in mind and prioritizing understanding over memorization. This can help educators identify desired outcomes from the lesson, determining acceptable evidence of understanding, and planning learning experiences. Keeping my PL goal in mind, I was able to focus on desired results, assessment evidence, and learning evidence when using the UbD template.  

 

While a 3 column table was practical in creating an outline of my professional learning, UbD takes a more comprehensive approach to curriculum planning that considers broader goals and student understanding over time and I was able to think deeper about what I expect my learners to accomplish through this professional learning course. Both were helpful in creating a significant learning environment for the learners involved. I believe that for my innovation plan implementation to be successful, professional learning must be well aligned – after all, it is the teachers that will take the blended learning principles and apply them in their classrooms. With the use of these tools, I will be able to plan most effective professional learning opportunities as well as coaching sessions that best target educator needs through implementation.