“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
– Anne Frank, The Diary of Anne Frank
Today, education has shifted its focus to standardization, which removes collaboration and structures and replaces them with assessment and a one-size-fits-all approach. We need to emphasize the importance of tailoring education to individual student's needs and interests. In our technology era, we can enhance learning experiences and create new opportunities to meet these needs for all learners while fostering creativity and problem-solving skills (TEDx Talks, 2012).
Under Dr. Harapnuik's guidance at Lamar University's Applied Digital Learning program, I created a blended learning innovation proposal incorporating the COVA framework. This approach, which emphasizes choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning, is closely connected to CSLE and seeks to inspire learners like the new teachers in our district to drive organizational change using technology as a catalyst for enhanced learning (Harapnik, 2017)
Under Dr. Harapnuik's guidance at Lamar University's Applied Digital Learning program, I created a blended learning innovation proposal incorporating the COVA framework. This approach, which emphasizes choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning, is closely connected to CSLE and seeks to inspire learners like the new teachers in our district to drive organizational change using technology as a catalyst for enhanced learning (Harapnik, 2017)
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In 'A New Culture of Learning,' Douglas Thomas and John Seely Brown emphasize the need for a massive information network that provides many resources for learning. Teachers should no longer be the primary source of knowledge. Instead, their role must shift from content provider to context creator, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and fostering their imagination and passions. I want to provide new teachers with similar teaching opportunities. As one of the leaders of the blended learning program in our new teacher academy, I will focus on nurturing passion, voice, and choice as we teach strategies and pedagogy. I will collaborate with the new teachers to model the blended learning process in our new teacher academy, sharing and creating experiences for them to utilize independently.
One of the main challenges in establishing a new teacher academy will be to encourage teachers to adopt a student-centered approach that focuses on choice, ownership, and voice. Many school systems often prefer teacher-centered instruction, which can cause gaps in important aspects of learning, such as collaboration and student ownership. To tackle this, our academy will require teachers to personally experience the COVA approach by using the tools we provide and incorporating their own voices into their classroom instruction. This not only creates a comfortable and open environment for student exploration but also fosters a growth mindset among teachers. We don't just want the students to be the learners, teachers need to shift to that mindset as well.
One of the main challenges in establishing a new teacher academy will be to encourage teachers to adopt a student-centered approach that focuses on choice, ownership, and voice. Many school systems often prefer teacher-centered instruction, which can cause gaps in important aspects of learning, such as collaboration and student ownership. To tackle this, our academy will require teachers to personally experience the COVA approach by using the tools we provide and incorporating their own voices into their classroom instruction. This not only creates a comfortable and open environment for student exploration but also fosters a growth mindset among teachers. We don't just want the students to be the learners, teachers need to shift to that mindset as well.
The creation of significant learning environments will have a significant impact on our new teacher program as we transition to a blended learning environment in our school. Previously, teachers who attempted this method using our Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) would still sit at their desks to teach, while students could go back and watch videos as needed. Beginning my innovation plan with new teachers from the basics will demonstrate to them what it is like to teach in a way that aligns with students' learning skills.
By understanding that our role is to facilitate rather than dictate, we can create a learning environment where students naturally and effortlessly explore, overcome challenges, and innovate. This shift is central to our new culture of learning. (TEDx Talks, 2012)
As an instructional coach with 11 years of classroom experience, my perspective on learning, teaching, and classroom environments has evolved significantly since joining the ADL Program. Working with the professors and listening to my Lamar colleagues influenced a shift in mindset that will guide my educational journey going forward.
With the opportunity to explore the COVA approach and the principles of "A New Culture of Learning," I'm excited to become an agent of change for our school. While my passion for educational innovation remains as strong as ever, I now understand where to start and how to make a meaningful impact.
As an instructional coach with 11 years of classroom experience, my perspective on learning, teaching, and classroom environments has evolved significantly since joining the ADL Program. Working with the professors and listening to my Lamar colleagues influenced a shift in mindset that will guide my educational journey going forward.
With the opportunity to explore the COVA approach and the principles of "A New Culture of Learning," I'm excited to become an agent of change for our school. While my passion for educational innovation remains as strong as ever, I now understand where to start and how to make a meaningful impact.
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References:
- Harapnuik. (2017, July 19). Csle+cova. It’s About Learning. Retrieved June 13, 2021, from http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6988
- TEDx Talks. (2012, September 13). A New Culture of Learning, Douglas Thomas at TEDxUFM [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM80GXlyX0U
- Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (n.d.). A new culture of learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change (1st ed.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.