Summary

​

In this video, I share my experience pursuing a master's degree in Applied Digital Learning at Lamar University, which has greatly enhanced my teaching skills. I discuss the challenges I faced, the importance of a growth mindset, and how the COVA approach has influenced my innovative proposal for Digital Writing Journals. I invite everyone interested in trying this blended learning model to join us. 

​

The Power of Why

​

The word, spoken or written, is one of the most authentic examples of human ingenuity, showcasing intelligence and critical thinking. Since my early childhood, I have been fascinated by the use of words, particularly printed ones. Consequently, one of my hobbies has been teaching my elementary students about the gift and power of language through written compositions. Helping to enhance my students' critical thinking through writing is a challenge that inspires me to continue designing courses that emphasize the importance of free expression in the pursuit of reflective inquiry.

​

Written language is a valuable tool for various reasons. It lets us record and store thoughts, knowledge, and information, improving human comprehension. It also allows us to communicate beyond space and time, sharing ideas, emotions, instructions, and concepts. In the global education landscape, written language is the foundation of educational systems, enabling individual inquiry and critical thinking.  Therefore, I needed to find a vehicle that would allow me to continue instructing and building content with my students using new technologies. The ADL Master's Program provided the appropriate venue and instrument for my students and me to continue telling their stories,  sharing knowledge, and presenting their findings to their school community.

​

The ADL Master Program's courses have contributed significantly to my growth and development as a learning facilitator. Each course has boosted my confidence in utilizing digital technologies to achieve my educational goals and, most importantly, to improve my students' learning experiences. Working collaboratively with my colleagues in the second grade has enabled me to share my acquired knowledge and skills with others. Reflecting on the program's core principles and objectives, I recognize how far I have come since the Master’s Program began. The cohesion among all the courses has been remarkable, with each one building upon the others and supporting my growth along this ongoing journey.  

​

In Applying Educational Technology, I created an e-portfolio to track my progress throughout the Master’s Program. I identified myself as a digital learner by integrating and developing new elements. This initial course established a foundation and created sections like About Me, presenting my enthusiastic colleagues in Meet My Team. We were also encouraged to form a collaborative group during this course, which I continue participating in. I am so happy to have maintained this group of professional coworkers throughout the program! 

​

Innovation is the factor that promotes progress and growth. In Disruptive Innovation, I developed an innovative proposal, “Digital Writing Journals,” and conducted a literature review to ensure the necessary research background to justify my proposal and its effectiveness. This course inspired me to share my innovative initiative within my organization and helped me realize that administrators are more open to seeking viable solutions than I previously thought.  

​

To successfully implement an innovative proposal, it's essential to cultivate additional skills. In Leading Organizational Change, these skills include leading change, strategizing to influence others, using The Influencer Model, executing effectively by implementing  The Four Disciplines of Execution, and engaging in crucial conversations with colleagues and administrators within our organization. 

​

 In DLD 5302, Concepts in Educational Technology, I emphasized a growth mindset, broadened my professional learning networks, and explored the learning process. 

​

Establishing a meaningful learning atmosphere involves prioritizing specific unit outcomes, activities, and assessments, these principles were established in Creating Significant Learning Environments. Here I discovered that the most effective way to facilitate learning is with the learning by doing philosophy. 

Once the Digital Writing Journals proposal was crafted, a dynamic professional learning session was held to share and promote the innovative initiative. In Developing Effective Professional Learning, I aimed to implement a Professional Learning Plan, fostering genuine and engaging professional development by creating a three-column table aligning outcomes, activities, and assessments. We started with a Call to Action and then presented a structured outline covering the targeted audience's specifics, time frame, and requirements.

Being a skillful learning facilitator and innovator requires evaluating the effectiveness of classroom practices.

​

Evaluating Digital Learning Instruction led the study to a Final Action Research Plan, a method for systematically improving teaching practices. Teachers can enhance their digital learning environments by planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.

​

In Resources for Digital Environments, I had the opportunity to write an article, (Final Publication in Draft ),  about the many benefits of incorporating digital journals into the classroom, encouraging students to write regularly. 

​

Designing Instruction Online learning projects for elementary school students has numerous significant advantages, including personalized learning, a wide range of instructional resources, the promotion of digital literacy, communication, and collaboration: Implementation Module. 

​

In the Synthesis of Digital Learning and Leadership, we reflected on the COVA approach, one of the fundamental pillars of the ADL Master’s program. The COVA Approach—Choice (C), Ownership (O), Voice (V), and Authentic Learning Opportunities (A) (Harapnuik et al., 2018)—along with CSLE frameworks, highlights the importance of learner autonomy and the creation of meaningful learning experiences, which aligns with my learning philosophy. The COVA It's About Learning approach is compatible with my beliefs because it places students at the center of the educational process, allowing them to construct their own voices and opinions. It grants them the freedom to create.

​

What I have accomplished:

​

We have successfully launched a pilot group to implement my initiative, and we have observed a significant improvement in vocabulary growth. This growth is being utilized to enhance reading comprehension and the creation of written compositions in second grade, which has attracted the interest of instructional coaches at our school.  

​

Books we recommend to read.