Playful Learning CommunitiesMission: Digital Promise Communities bring together educators, researchers, and industry partners to co-create joyful, inclusive, and interest-driven spaces for professional learning. We support peer-to-peer connection, amplify educator voice, and expand access to innovative tools and ideas that strengthen teaching and learning for all.
What We Do: Through professional learning and connection, we play, learn, and lead! Digital Promise Communities exist to reimagine professional learning by centering educators as co-creators of knowledge, fostering authentic connection, discovery, and joy. Through dynamic, interest-driven communities, we support educators in exploring innovative practices, sharing real-world experiences, and growing together—because when educators feel seen, supported, and inspired, so do their students.
Our Approach: Our approach centers around informal, peer-to-peer learning—whether that’s joining a casual chat, sharing resources, or co-creating new ideas across sectors. Inspired by playful learning frameworks like HOMAGO (Hanging Out, Messing Around, and Geeking Out), we create space for community members to connect in ways that are flexible, joyful, and authentic. We focus on building genuine relationships that foster trust, curiosity, and creativity. Members are encouraged to explore ideas at their own pace, contribute in ways that feel natural, and celebrate the process of learning—not just the outcomes. By supporting cross-sector collaboration and inviting community input into programming, we help ensure that learning opportunities are relevant, inclusive, and grounded in real-world practice.
Playful professional learning is an approach to educator development that emphasizes curiosity, creativity, exploration, and joy. It invites educators to experiment with new ideas, tools, and strategies in low-stakes, supportive environments—much like how students can learn through play. Rather than rigid training sessions, playful professional learning might look like interactive games, design challenges, collaborative tinkering, or casual interest-based discussions.
This approach is especially useful for educators because it:
The communities create natural spaces to connect with like-minded educators, mentors, and experts across grade levels and geographies. These relationships can spark new ideas, open doors to collaboration, and reduce the sense of isolation that many educators feel. Whether through informal chats or structured discussions, connection fuels growth.
In Digital Promise Communities, educators share helpful tools, ideas, and strategies that have worked in their classrooms. This ongoing sharing reduces the burden of creating everything from scratch and fosters a culture of generosity and efficiency.
Professional development in these communities is rooted in play, curiosity, and experimentation. Instead of traditional, rigid learning sessions, educators can explore new ideas, try out tools in low-pressure environments, and engage in joyful learning that mirrors how we hope students learn. This kind of engagement leads to deeper understanding, more innovation, and greater enthusiasm for applying new practices.
Work side-by-side with fellow professionals to co-create, share ideas, and solve challenges.
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