Embracing Change in Education: A Journey of Growth, Innovation, and Authentic Learning

Kim
Oct 14, 2024
8 min read

Updated: Dec 4, 2024

Buckle up, because we're about to embark on an exciting journey through the world of educational innovation! I'm thrilled to share my personal growth story and how the COVA approach and Creating Significant Learning Environments (CSLE) have turned my teaching world upside down - in the best way possible! Reflecting on my experiences with the COVA approach and the creation of significant learning environments (CSLE) within the Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program, I've realized how transformative these concepts have been for my personal and professional growth.

From Skeptic to Believer: Discovering the Magic of Choice

Remember when professional development felt like a chore? Yeah, me too. But hold onto your hats, because the moment I realized I truly had choice, ownership, and voice through authentic assignments, it was like someone flipped a switch in my brain and set out to reshape the digital landscape to drive future success in educators' professional development through disruptive innovation in tech! At first, I felt like a deer in headlights - all this freedom and responsibility? Was I ready for this rodeo? Spoiler alert: I wasn't... at least not right away. But here's the kicker - diving in headfirst taught me to embrace this new style of learning through concepts of educational technology. If I could do it all over again, I'd tell my past self to jump in with both feet and splash around in those opportunities from day one! I realized I had genuine choice, ownership, and voice through authentic assignments when I was encouraged to tailor a project specifically to my interests. This approach allowed me to dive deeper into areas I was passionate about, giving me a sense of control and responsibility over my learning. Initially, the freedom and responsibility felt overwhelming. The freedom to choose was daunting, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone, leading to personal growth and a richer educational experience.

My initial reaction to this freedom was a mix of excitement and hesitation. I wasn't sure if I was ready to take complete ownership of my learning. However, by organizing my tasks and seeking feedback from peers and instructors, I embraced the challenge and gradually built confidence. Over time, I grew more confident in voicing my ideas and taking ownership of my projects. Knowing what I know now, I would remind myself to be more patient and trust the process. The journey wasn't linear, but each step taught me resilience and the importance of embodying the growth mindset in the face of uncertainty.

Taking the Reins: Owning My Learning Journey

Taking control of my voice and focusing on my organization as the audience was like trying to ride a unicycle while juggling flaming torches. Challenging? You bet. Rewarding? Absolutely! Through this program, my attitude toward leading change has evolved from "Meh, do we have to?" to "Let's shake things up and make a difference!"

My innovation plan isn't just another homework assignment gathering dust in the corner. It's a real, living, breathing effort to create lasting change in my organization. Talk about putting theory into practice! One of the most challenging aspects was harnessing my voice and tailoring my work to suit my organization. It required a shift from academic writing to more practical, impactful communication. Through leveraging impactful communication tools that enhance Resources and Digital Environments for educators, this adjustment helped me develop a clearer, more persuasive voice that resonated with my colleagues and stakeholders.

Initially, I had mixed feelings about leading organizational change. However, as I progressed, my attitude shifted from cautious optimism to enthusiastic advocacy. I became more confident in leading change and driving organizational growth and success in the digital age by creating a plan that fosters a culture of adaptation and innovation. Improving professional learning for educators so that they can grow professionally. Moving from sit-and-get professional development to active learning that improves student outcomes has been the foundation for mastering the art of instructional design for online learning to maximize student success and engagement.

Adjustment Strategies

One key example of adjusting to this new style of learning was during the creation of my Math Station Mastery course. This project required integrating innovative teaching methods to foster adult learning collaboration and engagement. Here’s how I adapted:

Organizational Tools: I adopted various organizational tools to help manage my tasks and deadlines. Tools like digital planners, task management apps, and setting reminders were crucial in keeping me on track.
Active Engagement: I made a conscious effort to actively engage in all learning activities. This meant participating in discussions, seeking feedback, and collaborating with peers. Engaging with others not only helped clarify concepts but also provided different perspectives that enriched my learning experience.
Regular Reflection: Reflecting regularly on my progress and setbacks was essential. By keeping a journal or log, I could track my growth, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate successes. This practice reinforced my learning and helped me stay motivated.
Feedback Loop: I proactively sought feedback from instructors and peers through surveys that I created to gather more insight. Constructive criticism helped me refine my work and approach. It was important to view feedback not as a judgment but as an opportunity for growth.
Resource Utilization: Leveraging available resources, such as workshops, online tutorials, and peer study groups, provided additional support and learning opportunities. Also, using the professional learning standards as a guide to creating the course was instrumental in filling knowledge gaps and enhancing my skills.

What I Would Do Differently

Increased Patience: Knowing what I know now, I would be more patient with myself. Learning to navigate this new style of education took time, and it's important to allow oneself the space to make mistakes and learn from them. Also, being fearful of what my professors thought of my work was mind-boggling. It motivated me to be creative, however I also had to hold back on being too creative. I was so used to having to regurgitate what I studied on tests in school that this ADL kind of threw me for a loop! I received feedback saying, "It's too much" and other times I received feedback essentially stating, "it's not enough" or "I think you should've done this." However, I actively fought against having a fixed mindset and chose to focus on how I could make my work better through positive self-talk.
Earlier Collaboration: I would focus on collaboration earlier in the process. Engaging with peers and incorporating diverse perspectives from the beginning can lead to more robust and well-rounded projects. In addition, I would focus on continuous collaboration with my core collaboration group. It was difficult to keep up with them through emails, and other forms of communication while balancing my professional, and family life.
Embrace Discomfort: I would embrace discomfort and uncertainty more readily. Growth often comes from stepping outside one's comfort zone and being open to new and challenging experiences can accelerate learning.
Self-Care: Balancing intense academic work with self-care is crucial. Taking breaks, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing stress levels are essential for sustained productivity and well-being.
Setting Realistic Goals: Setting more realistic and achievable goals would help in maintaining motivation and avoiding burnout. I've learned that breaking down large tasks into manageable chunks can make the process less daunting and more rewarding.

COVA and CSLE: Not Just Fancy Acronyms

The COVA approach and CSLE aren't just fancy edu-speak - they've completely shifted my perspective on education. They've shown me the power of creating environments where learners feel like superheroes, ready to take on any challenge. The COVA approach and CSLE resonated with my learning philosophy, which values active engagement and real-world application. These approaches have reinforced my belief that providing learners with choice, ownership, voice, and authentic experiences leads to deeper, more meaningful learning outcomes. My perspective on learning has shifted to embrace these principles more fully, making them the bedrock of my teaching methods. Through this process, I cultivated a learning environment where students and educators could thrive through exploration and collaboration.

Bringing COVA to Life: My Master Plan

So, how am I planning to sprinkle this COVA magic in my organization? Glad you asked!

Empowering Learners: Picture this - projects that let learners explore their passions and connect them to real-world challenges. It's like giving them a backstage pass to their own learning concert!

Preparing for Change: I'll be the COVA cheerleader, sharing insights and resources, and creating a supportive environment where everyone feels ready to embrace this shift. Pom-poms are optional, but encouraged!

Facing Challenges: Let's be real - change isn't always a walk in the park. There might be some resistance, some "but we've always done it this way" moments. But with a growth mindset and open ears for feedback, we'll turn those challenges into stepping stones.

Looking forward, I plan to integrate the COVA approach into my organization to foster a new culture of learning. By giving educators choice, ownership, and voice through authentic assignments, I aim to empower them to take charge of their professional development, aligning with my innovation plan to transform professional learning into active, collaborative experiences.

One of the core elements of the COVA approach is crafting assignments that mirror real-world challenges. These tasks should require learners to engage in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. By connecting personally and professionally with the assignments, learners can see the relevance and application of their efforts. For instance, designing projects that involve current industry problems or community issues can make the learning experience more impactful and engaging. To give learners choice, ownership, and voice, I want to develop projects that are closely aligned with their roles and aspirations.

Preparing my learners and colleagues for this shift will involve clear communication about the benefits of these methods, as well as providing ongoing support and resources through the five principles of effective professional learning. I will offer workshops, and one-on-one mentoring, and create a community of practice where learners can share experiences and best practices. These sessions will include practical examples and success stories to illustrate the positive outcomes of adopting these approaches, making the transition smoother and more appealing.

Challenges and Solutions

Implementing COVA and CSLE will come with challenges, like resistance to change. Some challenges I anticipate include resistance to change and the need for time and resources to implement these approaches effectively. To address these, I created an organizational change plan that emphasizes creating a supportive community and encourages open dialogue to share experiences and solutions. Through self-differentiated leadership and crucial conversations, I will actively seek buy-in from leadership, demonstrate the value of the COVA approach through pilot projects, and ensure that necessary support structures are in place by using the Influencer Strategy and the four disciplines of execution. By fostering a culture of openness and collaboration, I hope to mitigate resistance and build a collective momentum towards embracing these innovative approaches.

The Grand Finale: A Bright Future Ahead

Looking back on this wild ride, I'm pumped about the potential of COVA and CSLE to revolutionize education. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and embracing innovative practices, we can truly inspire the next generation of learners. In conclusion, the COVA approach has profoundly impacted my learning and leadership journey. By embracing choice, ownership, and voice, I have grown as a learner and leader, ready to inspire others. Through what I have learned in my ADL Journey, I hope to transform professional learning for educators, making it an active and engaging process. I look forward to continuing this journey and witnessing the transformative impact it will have on my organization and beyond. So, my fellow education adventurers, let's roll up our sleeves and make education a bright and exciting place for everyone. Keep shining, keep learning, and remember: the world is your classroom (and sometimes, your playground too)!

Until next time, stay curious and keep spreading that learning magic!

Kim G ✨

P.S. Feel free to sneak a peek at my ePortfolio for more behind-the-scenes action on how I'm applying these concepts in my work. It's like the director's cut, but for education!