Innovation Project Update

Reflecting on My Innovation Plan

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When I began this journey, one of the first assignments in the Lamar University Digital Learning and Leading (DLL) program was to create my innovation plan. After thorough research, I established a blended learning environment in my traditional classroom. Although the elementary school where I teach offers some levels of blended or hybrid learning, there is insufficient academic content to support dual language instruction in a structured and meaningful way. This limits the frequent face-to-face interactions essential for effective world language learning.

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Incidental speaking and listening situations and cultural learning opportunities naturally occur in traditional classrooms but are often difficult to replicate fully in remote settings. Through my action research, I discovered that blended learning environments offer tremendous potential for world language learners. This approach enables personalized, multicultural learning experiences by seamlessly integrating instruction and development within the group.

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Reflecting on the development journey of my innovation project, I recognize how numerous components have come together to strengthen and evolve my plan. From initially brainstorming and reflecting on the right mindset to crafting an intentional, structured, and timely implementation plan, continuous improvement has been a cornerstone of this fascinating process.

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It's rewarding to see how all these elements fit together. Developing and submitting a formal proposal and presentation has proven invaluable. Creating an implementation outline helped me organize the timeline and sequence of content and clarify the What, How, and why behind establishing a meaningful learning environment.

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Examining the literature and research on blended learning has deepened my understanding of its implications. Writing a literature review has provided helpful evidence for my knowledge and contributed to my e-portfolio as a resource for others to explore. Everything I've accomplished in this journey fits perfectly, forming a clear path forward for blended learning innovation.

Implementing My Innovation Plan

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I began testing my innovation plan with my Kindergarten students at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Despite their early learning stage, these young learners have adapted remarkably well to the blended learning environment. This approach has proven highly effective in addressing my students' diverse challenges. Motivated and reluctant learners engage more meaningfully with the material by providing flexibility and personalized instruction.

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One significant advantage is that my Kindergarten students, who have no extensive academic backgrounds, approach the innovation without hesitation or preconceived notions. They have embraced the opportunity to develop their skills within a more independent and personalized learning cycle. Although a few initially reluctant or quickly bored students required additional follow-up, most of them ultimately enjoyed and benefited from the blended learning structure.

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This approach aligns well with the principles outlined in DesignTemplate's New Culture of Learning and Understanding. By fostering an environment of experimentation and freedom, I have minimized resistance while encouraging intrinsic motivation.

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Teachers should employ inclusive techniques to guide students' learning when they lack intrinsic motivation. Surprisingly, many of my students took ownership of their educational journey, positively responding to the opportunity for responsibility. The absence of rigid structures from traditional education has allowed for a fun and dynamic learning environment that prioritizes creativity and exploration.

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My Innovation Project Update 5320 is nearing completion. I am finalizing specific course lessons, ensuring minimal errors, and addressing legal considerations for action research. Additionally, I am coordinating the cohort and training schedules for participant teachers. Although I initially hoped to launch the program in 2024, the official implementation is now planned for the new semester of 2025.

In collaboration with my school administration, I am preparing additional training for teachers entering the district’s Bilingual Language program. These teachers will also research their learning environments through a case study approach, contributing valuable insights to the blended learning initiative.

Learning from experience

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As I analyze, evaluate, and reflect on my learning journey, I recognize that my ideas and processes for continuous improvement will perpetually evolve. This realization is liberating—perfection is no longer my objective. Instead, ongoing growth and progress through collaboration and reflection are central to my intentional learner mindset.

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Initially, the scope of my innovation plan felt overwhelming. Despite frequently hearing that progress happens "little by little," I struggled to grasp this approach. The thought of implementing it within my district was suffocating. However, Dr. Harapnuik's advice proved invaluable: progress must happen one step at a time, be organized and controlled, and evolve continuously. As I prepare to execute my action research with specific participants and groups, I see a more precise and linear path toward the future.

Several changes will be made as I move forward with my innovation plan. First, I aim to integrate blended learning into nearly every class period. Vocabulary and grammar instruction will be divided into smaller, focused lessons lasting fifteen to twenty minutes daily. The remaining class time will allow students to work independently, collaborate in small groups, or engage with me to address their unique learning needs.

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I will also incorporate more project-based learning activities integrating vocabulary, grammar topics, and cultural content. These projects will give students more excellent choices, ownership, and voice in their learning. My ultimate goal is to phase out traditional testing models in favor of performance-based assessments.

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As I work toward this transformation, continuous student feedback will be crucial. I will reflect on their progress as exams are gradually replaced with authentic, project-based learning assessments, fostering a more effective and engaging learning environment.

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Making a big Difference:

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In his inspiring talk, Everyday Leadership, Drew Dudley highlights the power of seemingly small, everyday actions in shaping other people's lives. He introduces the idea of "lollipop moments," when someone positively impacts another person, often without even realizing it. Dudley challenges the traditional notion of leadership, emphasizing that authentic leadership isn’t limited to grand gestures or titles but is about making meaningful contributions in daily interactions. This resonates deeply with my journey as an educator and my commitment to pioneering blended learning in the dual-language kindergarten classroom.

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Why did I choose this innovation project?

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Leadership begins with recognizing challenges and seeking solutions. As a bilingual teacher, I observed how limited instructional time in English hindered my students’ language development. Determined to find a more practical approach, I explored applied digital learning and pursued a master’s degree, leading to the station rotation model in blended learning. Through my coursework and research, I realized the potential of technology-enhanced learning to personalize instruction, promote engagement, and accelerate language acquisition. My leadership journey started with the Disruptive Innovation course, where I designed a learning plan to foster innovation and transformative practices in the classroom.

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My Innovation Project Components

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1.- Proposal:

I crafted a proposal for a blended learning model tailored to bilingual classrooms. This model integrates technology with real-world problem-solving, equipping students with essential literacy and communication skills. Merging digital tools, personalized learning pathways, and collaborative activities enhances critical thinking, creativity, and engagement in early education.

2. Blended Learning Video:

To showcase the effectiveness of blended learning, I produced a video demonstrating its impact on kindergarten students in a dual-language setting. This video highlights how digital resources support individualized learning and maximize instructional time.

3.-Literature Review:

My literature review provides a research-based foundation for my innovation plan. By analyzing studies on bilingual education, technology integration, and blended learning, I validated my approach and gained confidence in advocating for this instructional model.

4.- Implementation Online:

The implementation outline serves as a roadmap for teachers, detailing the necessary steps to establish, execute, and assess a blended learning environment. This framework guided me in effectively refining my teaching strategies and structuring my digital learning stations.

5.- Annodated Bibliography:

I compiled an annotated bibliography of key sources that informed my innovation plan. Each entry provides insights into best practices in bilingual education, technology integration, and student-centered learning.

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Project now?

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As part of my project, I am designing the instructional framework for my digital class and rotation stations. This involves developing five instructional modules and organizing them in Google Classroom so that I can effectively present the content to students, collaborate with team members, and engage parents in the learning process.

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What worked?

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1. Integrating digital assessments in the classroom enhances teaching and learning by offering real-time access to information, fostering collaboration, personalizing learning experiences, developing essential skills, preparing students for future challenges, and providing more effective and insightful evaluation methods.

2. Implementing a growth mindset in classrooms fosters improved academic performance, boosts self-confidence, enhances metacognitive skills, strengthens motivation and resilience, and promotes collaboration, all within a supportive and empowering learning environment.

3. Designing meaningful learning environments fosters intrinsic motivation, deep comprehension, critical thinking, and student autonomy, essential for effective and lasting learning experiences.

4. Engaging in professional development has enhanced my educational practice by teaching me how to better adapt to student needs, foster innovation, promote collaboration, boost job satisfaction and retention, and ultimately improve student outcomes.

5. My e-portfolio is a powerful tool for organizing, showcasing, and highlighting my achievements and skills, playing a crucial role in supporting my professional growth and personal success.

6. Through learning to lead organizational change, I uncovered my WHY and gained valuable expertise in the Influencer Model, 4DX strategies, and effective corporate communication techniques.

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What can I do better? And how?

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I am passionate about advancing Action Research and expanding my understanding of diverse evaluation methods. Ensuring equity and the inclusion of students with disabilities in research projects is essential. As a responsible researcher, I am committed to providing equal opportunities for all students to participate. To achieve this, I plan to explore inclusive practices further and make thoughtful adjustments to research planning and evaluation.

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Promoting my Innovation Plan

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I plan to enhance my innovation plan by sharing valuable content, including articles, videos, and infographics, across the networks I established in the Digital Resources Environment course. This approach will give my educational community easy access to the resources I develop. Additionally, I aim to collaborate with fellow educators who are interested in sharing their experiences. We can engage in virtual events like podcasts, co-teaching sessions, and professional development opportunities.

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What’s next in my upcoming projects?

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Every group of students brings unique needs to the classroom, whether in language arts, math, or science. I believe blended learning is a flexible approach tailored to any subject. I plan to integrate this strategy for my next research project, combining technology with traditional classroom methods. I also recognize the importance of action research in refining my teaching practices and intend to incorporate it into my study. Ultimately, the effort is invaluable, as it enhances our growth as educators and supports student success. I’m committed to repeating this process as often as needed to achieve the best outcomes.