Digital Learning & Leading
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As I began the Lamar’s Digital Learning & Leading Master’s program, I was introduced to the COVA Approach. COVA represents choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning via relevant experiences to the learner (Harapnuik, 2018). It is based upon constructivist principles that help students learn how to learn. My first encounter with COVA was in the creation of a growth mindset project in the Concepts of Educational Technology course. It took me a while to begin that project because I was not given specific directions as to HOW the project should be completed. It was overwhelming and a little intimidating to chart unknown territory.
During the second course when I began creating my eportfolio, the “Ah-Ha” moment occurred. I had to overcome the DLL learning curve to decide which direction to go because there was so much freedom. It required a change of mindset to not be tunneled into one form of expression. I explored previous DLL students’ eportfolios to help jump start my brain, which propelled me to think outside the box. Seeing such a wide variety of styles, I was able to embrace the idea of choosing my path. Having the free will to be expressive as a student and a creative being sparked excitement! I could finally utilize and explore my creativity in an academic setting. The complete flexibility to choose my learning path, however, really opened my eyes to the concept of choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning. In Concepts of Educational Technology, I laid the foundation for digital learning and in Applying Educational Technology, I took leadership of my learning.
Through the twelve courses of this program, I have been awarded multiple experiences with COVA. The utilization of COVA has propelled me to take possession of every aspect of my learning, instead of idly sitting by absorbing and regurgitating information. This program has reignited my passion and imagination for education. Because of these DLL encounters, I now view my classroom through the lens of a digital innovator. I would not change anything about my adventures with COVA. The learning curve allowed for natural growth. This has been the most enjoyable collegiate experience I've ever had because it was truly centered around the student's choice and voice.
The Application of COVA + CSLE
During the Disruptive innovations in Technology course, I constructed a Blended Learning plan to implement on my campus. Although I began the plan with a goal in mind, I initially created it out of compliance for the course. As I progressed through the DLL program, however, I was awarded more opportunities to enhance my ideas. I started to see a clear vision of my plan thus developing authentic connections to my campus. More specifically, the Developing Effective Professional learning course was my turning point. Creating a professional learning plan for my campus helped me see the full picture of Blended Learning at Coble MS.
Because I saw a need for change on my campus, it was easy to take control of my voice and focus on that need. Over the past decade, I have served as an agent of change by helping our school evolve into an AVID National Demonstration School. My attitude toward leading organizational change was fortified through my COVA experience as I learned many new strategies to further my efforts.
My learning philosophy consists of both cognitivist and constructivist ideas. The course, Creating Significant Learning Environments (CSLE), helped me to make the connection between my learning philosophy and the establishment of CSLE. I believe in active learning and building upon the learner’s background and prior knowledge. My belief in learning with the COVA approach greatly influences the way that I teach. COVA+CSLE alters learning in such a way that it can change the trajectory of students’ lives.
Blended learning provides the setting for personalized and flexible learning. Passion, learning in the collective, and constraints are New Culture elements I will infuse into my blended classroom. I will establish an inventory of students' passions/interests to integrate into lessons and to establish collectives for in-class and online collaboration. Natural constraints are currently built into my course curriculum through Socratic study groups, self-advocacy assignments, and teambuilding. These components also provide a crossover for more opportunities to learn in a collective. Through this journey, I will leverage my professional learning networks for support.
My COVA+CSLE approach with colleagues will be slightly different from that of my learners. Technology can be a challenge for some so, in the words of Simon Sinek, I will “start with the why” to capture their hearts. As I embark upon organizational change, I will strategically implement each step of my plan and engage in Crucial conversations, as needed. I will utilize two results-driven strategies to plan out my efforts; The Influencer model and The Four Disciplines of Execution (4DX). These two models are complementary. The 4DX sets an accountability system while The Influencer model establishes six behaviors to influence organizational change. Our teachers will also need proper coaching and real-life applications of blended learning. To support my staff, I will incorporate systematic Blended Professional Learning (PL) to award teachers a flexible personalized adventure to transition to a blended learning environment.
To counteract a lack of enthusiasm, teachers will have choice and voice to provide learning catered to their needs. Some teachers may be reluctant to participate in asynchronous courses. My PL plan, however, has an accountability system laced with positive reinforcements to encourage continuous learning.
I foresee the development of a blended learning atmosphere opening a whole new world of possibilities for my campus. Through a COVA + CSLE Culture, students will become more engaged and better prepared for a global and digital future. As they utilize voice and ownership in my class, they will build confidence to fail forward and embody a growth mindset. Serving as an agent of change, I will model and advocate for CSLE. The success of my classroom will fuel and spread the fire for a necessary change for our 21st-century scholars.
