My journey through the Applied Digital Learning program at Lamar University has been one I would have never expected. When I first decided to take the leap of faith and sign up for this master’s program, I was a little apprehensive. I had heard friends, family and colleagues talk about the programs they’ve gone through and the workload they had to endure, and it was intimidating. Starting this program with Dr. Harapnuik in EDLD 5305 really exceeded any expectations I had.
Right off the bat, I knew this program would not be like those I’d heard about. Although the workload was still there, we had little instruction on how to present our understanding of the content – it was left entirely up to us as learners. This came as a shock to someone who is so used to the factory model of education (just tell me what to do!), but I was genuinely excited for what was to come.
I knew right away I had complete choice, ownership, and voice through authentic assignments. We got to choose the topic of our innovation plan, choose how we wanted to present it to our administration, choose how to present the assignments on our ePortfolios, and the list goes on. Initially, I was terrified of this freedom that I had been given over my learning. Like I said earlier, this style of learning was completely out of my comfort zone. After taking a step back and getting over the initial shock to my system, the excitement set in. Being able to have this complete control over my assignments really allowed me to value my learning in a way I hadn’t experienced before. I was more invested in what I was producing and was excited to actually implement what I was learning into my classroom. My perspective on learning has definitely changed since before starting this program. I now know the importance of giving students choice, ownership and voice through authentic learning opportunities (COVA). I also know that by doing this, it creates a significant learning environment (CSLE) that allows for deeper learning and critical thinking while creating life-long learners.
Our main project that has been on-going throughout the program was creating our innovation plan. We had to decide what needed to change in our organizations and how we would work to incorporate COVA to create significant learning environments. I was fairly new to my organization, so attempting to implement something new was definitely a challenge, especially since I wasn’t super comfortable with the content yet. Nonetheless, I became very passionate about having dance students create an ePortfolio of their own to showcase their learning in my class. Through content creation, reflection and everything in between, I really hoped to make a difference in my organization using ePortfolios in the Fine Arts Classroom.
Knowing what I know now about COVA and significant learning environments, I can’t wait to start fresh with my class this upcoming school year. The past three years I’ve taught high school dance but will be transitioning back to what I taught previously, 8th grade Science. I am excited about this transition because I feel like I can incorporate COVA easier in a core subject because that’s where my ‘expertise’ has been for the majority of my teaching career. I am excited to give my students real-world learning opportunities where they can take control of their learning. One thing about being in this ADL program is that I’ve not only learned about what my current innovation plan was, but I’ve also read and learned about other innovation plans, such as blended learning.
Getting started in a new school with new colleagues and new administration will definitely be a challenge. I am excited to bring my knowledge into play and share what I have been learning this past year. I think one important aspect for both colleagues and students is making sure they keep an open and growth mindset. A lot of times, as humans, we stick to what we know, and that is something that could hinder this opportunity for learning in the classroom. Overall, although I do anticipate challenges and resistance, I will push through to show how COVA and CSLE will be most beneficial to our students.
Please listen to my collaboration group’s podcast below as we reflect on our journey together:
References:
Harapnuik, D. (n.d.). Digital Learning & Leading. Harapnuik.org. Retrieved July 2, 2022, from https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=7012