COVA & CSLE REfLECTION & APPLICATION
Starting this Graduate ADL program here at Lamar University was an exciting opportunity for me to learn about new skills, strategies, and tools that I want to apply into my innovation plan . When I started studying this program, I realized that I chose my innovation plan, and my e-portfolio that will show my work and my beliefs! Having COVA is a great way of learning; The COVA learning approach provides a functional foundation for the DLL Program at Lamar University. As a learner, I was taking responsibility for a meaningful connection. I learned that the learner is the main one who is responsible for the learning and that will help to create a choice, ownership, and voice through an authentic learning environment.
As a result, this study demonstrates that given choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities within a significant learning environment can result in deeper and more meaningful learning. When I was given that freedom as a learner to choose the learning experiences, I was given help and guidance for my project, presentation and collaboration.
At that time, I was given that responsibility, I was not sure that I can do all of the learning by myself but I then realized that every course is connected and helps to walk you through the learning journey.
I will admit that I was also stressed since usually, the reputation of a master's programs is that they are intense and difficult. Thus, I had mixed feelings between excitement and fear. However, when I started taking the course and was introduced to COVA along with the idea of "Creating a significant learning environment" Known as CSLE, I realized this master's program will be manageable since COVA + CSLE are solely meant to serve the best interest of the learner. We also learned that we can incorporate the COVA into our learning by creating our e-portfolio and building it, and presenting our accomplished work in the program's courses as we want.
I will admit that I enjoyed this online course with the ownership thatnI have been given and sharing with the world! The growth mindset challenge supported me many times through my fear of failure. We exposed learners to thinking (Dewek, 2016). That helped me to realize that genuine learning through continual effort and improvement as I learn from my mistakes will help me through my life. This was unlike my experience as an undergraduate student where I finished my bachelor's degree of art course in a traditional, standardized format which made me feel bored most of the time. I would say this ADL program is Student-centered on using pedagogical approaches to attain the student needs academically and personally. I experienced how this educational program is logical. It is based on giving opportunities at every level and making a balance between the educator's life and learning; also there is no stress to learning or to getting a grade. It is all about the result of learning and that encouraged me to add more effort and work into learning. As a result, learners accept more responsibilities and ownership of their learning (Nguyen & Ikeda, 2015).
Further, Learning about COVA + CSLE made me want to implement this approach in my classroom with my students and promote this learning approach to make them feel valued by attaining to their needs and focusing on their unique skills, which in turn helped me to build my personalized plan.I genueinly chose the blended learning method, When the crisis of COVID happened I felt like learning should not stop in one way it should continuously stay in different approaches and different ways. We are working fully online where the classroom is no longer the locus of control. Our choice is not only allowing us to take charge of our learning by selecting how to present our evidence of learning but also making the learning tailored for the greatest impact as we become leaders of change. I have to admit that given this amount of freedom and flexibility was overwhelming for me at first; I felt like I didn't know what to do or where to start, and I was asking myself am I supposed to feel like that or am I mistaken? Then I started adapting to it step by step by learning about e-portfolio, since I never had one before, and designing the e-portfolio was so entertaining to me with providing pictures, presentations, videos, editing the videos and connecting all the learning on the e-portfolio. I would say I am proud of my work and all the learning that I have done and I am ready to show it to all. This in turn helped me to build my personalized plan; learning a second language is my innovation plan revolving around blended learning, or, in particular, online blended learning.
COVA is great way to reach into my philosophy when the learner uses the technology as an opportunity to learn and by implementing the learning as a second language with all the resources that they need to learn. They can use it any time; on top of that they can listen to the language they prefer at any time or anywhere. This is the real learning that prepares them for an authentic life of making a conversation and connecting to different cultures or people from abroad; In addition to that, I would use some of the other blended learning methods in my innovation plan such as station rotation. It is a great method to engage the learner and keep them aware of what they learned. I am still working to implement my Innovation plan on Google Classroom and it still needs time to be complete.The COVA learning approach enabled me to make a difference in my own learning and it helped me to personalize my learning experience through being a self- centered learner who collaborates and shares my work through my e-portfolio. With this approach that I did in my learning I will apply this COVA to my students ,too.
Giving learners a choice allows them freedom to choose how they wish to select, organize, and structure authentic learning opportunities and present their learning experiences on their ePortfolios.Also, giving learners a voice enables them to revise and restructure their ideas while
learning to effectively communicate and engage others using ePortfolios (Thibodeaux et al., in press).Therefore:Giving learners ownership by enabling the learner to shift control of the learning process to the learner and away from the instructor. Researchers recognize this approach as a component of a self-regulated personal learning environment where learners exercise control over the selection of tools and resources that will be gathered and disseminated through choice of content and learning tools (Buchem, 2012, Buchem, Tur, & Hoherhaf, 2014,Shepherd & Skrabut,2011). We should have Reflection as connection draws upon Dewey’s theory that we can help learners to move their ideas forward by visualizing the connections between their courses and their personal lives.
Authentic learning is the means in which students and teachers can rise above standardized testing.learning environments need to be aligned to social principles and constructivist learning ideas. We should create an environment that is learner-centered, engaging, motivational, contextual, experiential, and authentic( Harapniuik, 2004,2015a).So that’s how I want to prepare my student to learn how to learn and how to adopt to opportunities that don’t even exist.
Overall, my experience in the ADL program has been a unique learning experience filled with authentic learning through COVA + CSLE which made me grow as a teacher and as a learner as well.This learning approach made me have a growth mindset about my journey through learning as a catalyst and have a new methods to teach. I know that I Am having more ability to adapt new learning method having new resources to help for teaching.I will use this approach in the future and influence others to adapt it in their organizations and workplaceThe challenges we should be aware of are how technology can be used to relinquish control so the learner can take ownership. And also the measurement of the innovation plan will be a big challenge that iam goin to use the benefit of change in focus and look at the bigger Picture.
As a personal experience, I use the same plan with my kids to learn to speak Arabic as a second language. I feel , in my experience, it is a great way to teach and a great way to learn ! The nature of this program allows using a different variety of Instructional design strategies within the cognitive and constructivist theory, and that will make you think deeply of designing a learning plan and finding problems to solve. For the most part, I use a backward design following a taxonomy and three column table.Taking the ADL courses equipped me with the necessary tools and knowledge I need to transition my classroom ideas from only one traditional place; to more like a cloud classroom where the learner can learn at any time and place where the learning is ubiquitous.Reflection as connection draws upon Dewey’s theory that we can help learners to move their ideas forward by visualizing the connections between their courses and their personal lives.Authentic learning is the means in which students and teachers can rise above standardized testing. Learning environments need to be aligned to social principles and constructivist learning ideas. We should create an environment that is learner-centered, engaging, motivational, contextual, experiential, and authentic( Harapniuik, 2004,2015a). So that’s how I want to prepare my students to learn how to learn and how to adapt to opportunities that don’t even exist.
Overall, my experience in the ADL program has been a unique learning experience filled with authentic learning through COVA + CSLE which made me grow as a teacher and as a learner as well.This learning approach made me have a growth mindset about my journey through learning as a catalyst and have a new methods to teach. I know that I Am having more ability to adapt new learning method having new resources to help for teaching.I will use this approach in the future and influence others to adapt it in their organizations and workplace.
The challenges we should be aware of are how technology can be used to relinquish control so the learner can take ownership. And also the measurement of the innovation plan will be a big challenge that i am going to use. The benefit of change in focus and looking at the bigger Picture.
References
Bates, T. (2016, June). Building Effective Learning Environments
Dweck. C.S (2015). Growth Mindset -’What is a growth mindset’.
www.mindsetwork.com
Robinson, ken(2013) .How to change Education.{video}. Youtube.
Ken //youtu.be/BEsZOnyQzxQ
Thomas, D., & Brown J. S. (2011). A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. (Vol 219) Lexington, KY: CreateSpace.
Fiedler, S., & Väljataga, T. (2014). Personal learning environments
Follan. Michael (2014). The new learning philosophy. Michael Follan - Lecturer - Glasgow Caledonian University | LinkedIn
‘It is always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandella.
My innovation plan focused on learning a second language by implementing online, blended learning. I intended to implement my beliefs into online, blended learning that can fill the academic, distance, and expense learning gap. Learning a language is always a complicated and expensive thing to do. Thus, I want to facilitate this and enhance learning by using technology tools such as phones, which is the easiest and effortless way of learning. On top of that, listening and speaking to a native speaker is a significant achievement in learning a second language; whatever you learn through a traditional method will not fill the gap of making a conversation with complete confidence and no shyness or hesitation.
I am now in the stage of applying what I learned through this program! I am connecting all the theories and strategies to map a design that matches my beliefs. And this is the best time to practice learning a second language; this opportunity is a big chance to learn fast with massive information that we can access in the palm of our hand. I need to start my why, how, and what to connect the strategy and theories that will create a new learning culture. The significant environment that has all kinds of motivation and ability of personal, social, and instructional keys to a deep learning
Technology will enhance learning, which can be used anytime and anywhere. Online, blended learning approaches will increase the student's awareness, interest, and engagement. Therefore, blended learning will create a personalized environment with a deep learning framework. In the CSLE environment, a teacher is not the only resource for learning; a teacher is a mentor, instructor, or guide of the classroom. On the other hand, a learner is self-based learner and that will make him prepared for life
However, I am still working on applying my innovation plan to complete my course design. And I will start on this plan as soon as I graduate! It is a hard work! But It is hard to stop, too! First, I tried the idea with my kids, which was a successful method. My kids use blended learning to speak Arabic as a second language. They use a variety of digital books, apps, and the Google Classroom platform, which contains videos, flashcards, and pop quizzes that will help them to be more engaging. This design should start by using the power of listening(auditory). Then the power of visual learning and reading with spaced repetition methods. The learner should play games as a treat for completing the work. Learners are engaged in learning and prepared for an entire conversation without hesitation. This approach will promote the COVA + CSLE model in the course, where they can do the modules with online activities and review videos at their own pace.
Learners reflect on their learning in the zoom meeting, which will be held once a week or more, depending on the learner's ability. Also, learners reflect by creating critical thinking ideas. However, We can plan to do a project with the learner to travel to the target language country to experience the language in person and connect with the culture.
I will focus on the learner's motivation. Providing COVA + CSLE is an excellent environment for learners who are self-based but also need more reason to continue to help them through their journey. I plan to keep looking for new skills, dealing with diversity, and navigating new technological development. I will improve my method and find different activities to keep the learners engaged. One of the keys I used throughout my course is encouraging and motivating my students to collaborate, attend Zoom meetings, prepare for their projects, and share them with friends. I want to build a very informative start. And use the backward design model within an outcome-based education(OBE)Framework. The three-column table will help me clearly articulate the course outcomes. I am focusing on the (BHAG) Big hairy audacious goal and the Taxonomy theory that will align the learning goal, outcome, and assessment to make it clear and related to my innovation plan and learning philosophy.
The BHAG focuses on the learner and the innovation plan, learning philosophy, and creating a significant learning environment that helps the learner to have choice, ownership, and voice through an authentic learning environment. All of these together will need a growth mindset to constantly change and add new resources in addition to the professional development that will change the learning and teaching to effective pedagogical methods.
To promote a COVA, differentiate learning, collaboration, and CSLE through blended learning. These approaches key aspects of learning a second language. To meet the needs of individual learning and fill the gap to reach the goal by promoting the content(Knowledge and the curriculum), process(activities that students do to master the content), and product(the method students use to demonstrate learning). Teachers in a significant environment need to collaborate with others to look at different curricula so they can determine some lessons and activities and share how to use highly thinking strategies. Provide feedback/feedforward with others. And praise the effort, not the grade. In that way, learners will have a deep understanding and effective critical thinking with a dire need to change learning aspects. Learners can apply their learning to the technology tools such as Zoom culture presentation, engaging professional video content, or creating digital video clips using their target language. So in my innovation plan, I will focus more on the learner as a result and a catalyst, and that requires me to construct and imagine what the learner will be after the course is accomplished. It is an entirely student-centered learner. It is learning by doing and developing many skills in that digital age. However, I expect that with every new change, I should go through obstacles to reach my ultimate goal and WIG. I believe that the foundation of my innovation plan was built with these components of the Implementation outline, 3 column table(Finks Table) that helped me organize my template and create a curriculum that aims to deepen the learning. A positive impact on how I perceive this process and experience was the growth mindset with the power of yet that inspired me to accept challenges and learn from them. I also was proud to show my work on the e-portfolio in a presentable and cohesive manner. Anyway, I wouldn't have gained the knowledge and the skills. I have now learned about online and blended learning and how to develop an innovation plan without these previous tools. The provided module videos, reading, and discussion in Blackboard were all important parts to complete and reflect on our innovation plan.
This project helped me to discover a new culture of learning. Helping me to be creative and have more skills helped me to transfer the learning from the traditional method to a blended learning method. It was a very enjoyable journey between choosing, designing, presenting, and reading; I want my students to experience the same; I want them to have a flexible self-based learning method, especially doing the innovation project.
References:
Bates, A. W. (2015). Teaching in a digital age: Guidelines for teaching and learning.
Harapnuik Dawyne. (2021, April 16). EDLD 5313 module 2 [Video]. YouTube.
Kotter John. (2011, March 23). John Kotter - The heart of change [Video]. YouTube.
Learning theories and online learning. (2019, March 17). Tony Bates |.
https://www.tonybates.ca/2014/07/29/learning-theories-and-online-learning/
Robinson Ken. (2013). How to change education. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEsZOnyQzxQ
Innovation Reflect Plan
As I look back at my Learning Journey through this program DLL, I can see that so much has changed. I started with WHY and HOW and WHAT.
I shifted my learning from listening to Doing and Leading.
With a Growth mindset, and model the Six Source of Influences with addressing the 4 DX(four discipline of execution) I find my self a leader
This is my Significant Learning Environment
COVA+ CSLEHaving my own ePortfolio
Using a Blended Learning Strategy.
This is my Synthesis Digital Learning and Leading
