Digital Learning & Leading
My Journey through the DLL program
Click on the titles to explore my journey through each course!
Wrapping it all up in this final course provided an opportunity to analyze and reflect on my learning. My DLL learning process through a COVA+CSLE experience led to the continual refinement of my blended innovation plan, which is still a work in progress. The exposure to innovative thinking, research, and authentic learning has expanded my cognizance for teaching. In addition, I now have the ability to effectively advocate for digital learning and lead organizational change.
Resources for Digital Environments
As an innovative teacher and leader, it is important that I continually research digital resources to keep my learning environment thriving. I curated an Edshelf to organize and store my favorite tools. This is a resource that I can share with my peers. I have discovered through hosting professional learning (PL), that technology increases engagement for adults just as it does for students. This observation led to my desire to transform PL. In an effort to spread my theory of effective PL through blended formats, I outlined and submitted an article for publication with Edutopia. (Disclaimer: Still awaiting submission approval)
Online learning, whether synchronous or asynchronous, grants personalized learning, increases engagement, and closes opportunities gaps. Vital to my success in creating a Canvas course was acknowledging The Open SUNY Course Quality Review Rubric. The Understanding by Design (UbD) model was employed to structure the content of my “Introductory College Exploration” course. Starting with the end in mind, I outlined my objectives, assessments, and then activities. Finally, I assembled my virtual classroom with a syllabus, discussion forum, and a collection of digital resources.
In the 21st Century, Digital citizenship is an integral characteristic of global citizenship because the two worlds are so deeply intertwined. Citizenship includes responsible use, interaction, and consumption in an online community. Safe engagement requires, at a minimum, knowledge of the digital footprint, copyright laws, and cyberbullying. Social media has become the leading motive for internet usage in this digital age. Educators have a responsibility to empower youth to obtain the 9 elements of digital citizenship (Ribble, 2015) so they can be good stewards of their online communities.
Examining the research of BLE around the world helped me discover better ways to implement my blended innovation plan. Through a globalized literature review, I discovered what works, what could have been done better, and how to apply the lessons I learned. An updated call to action was designed based on my new perspective of BLE.
Action research is a systematic approach to data collection. It should start with the “5 why process” to identify the root problem, thus defining your purpose. Next, draft an outline to carry and analyze the research. To prepare for the execution of my action research plan, I reviewed scholarly literature and used it as a guide. This plan will be the next expedition on my journey to innovative transformation for my campus.
Based on the ideals of my innovation plan, I devised a plan to integrate blended learning formats into our campus professional learning. It is my belief that teacher development, much like student learning, deserves a 21st-Century update. Thorough research and planning are required to make transformative change. My plan started with a Call to action presentation, followed by a descriptive outline, and concluded with the narrative of my strategy inclusive of authentic resources.
When leading change in an organization it is important to define and work with a purpose. I developed “Why, How, What” statements to create a sense of urgency for change on my campus. Desired results, vital behaviors, measures, and Four Disciplines of Execution (4DX) were identified to determine how to best motivate my staff. My leadership skills were strengthened by understanding the 7 guiding steps to effectively communicate via Crucial Conversations.
Creating Significant Learning Environments
Innovative change has the greatest potential for success if the environment is conducive to the change. CSLE requires a full growth mindset plan to help learners adapt to the change. To be an effective teacher, I have to understand the beliefs and practices of my learning philosophy. I explored two backwards design models. I incorporated Dee Fink’s 3 column table and Understanding by Design (UbD) by Wiggins and McTighe to align the outcomes, assessments, and activities with the objectives of my course units.
After considering the specific needs of my organization, I wrote a Proposal and designed a call to action pitch for my staff to implement blended learning environments (BLE). By studying trends in technology and reading a multitude of scholarly articles, I compiled a literature review that supported my notion for change. To put this plan into motion, I outlined a proposed timeframe for implementation. Transitioning to BLE will offer our scholars choice, ownership, voice, and authentic opportunities for learning at their own pace.
Concepts of Educational Technology
I began to cultivate a Growth mindset as I was introduced to the concepts of the COVA Approach. Establishing a learning manifesto helped me focus my intentions for obtaining a Master’s degree in Digital Learning and Leading. To prepare for this journey into EdTech, I had to get connected with like-minded educators through local and global professional learning networks (PLN).
Applying Educational Technology
My growth mindset voice was fully activated as I designed an ePortfolio to showcase my DLL accomplishments. I explored several website options before selecting Wix.com as my preferred platform. My fixed mindset was officially shut down when I finally stepped out of my comfort zone and began to write candidly in my ePortfolio’s blog. I embraced my opportunities to "fail forward” and got comfortable with being uncomfortable.