The Beginning
Disruptive Innovation in Education, EDLD 5305 together with Applying Educational Technology e-Portfolio, EDLD 5303 began the process of envisioning change within our organization. These classes introduced me to the meaning of COVA + CSLE, but more importantly, how applying these methods in today's classrooms would prepare our students for their tomorrow. I struggled with the ideas at first because I had learned in a factory-style method but embracing a shift in mindset allowed me to reflect in discussions and view different peers' perspectives. I learned how to learn, I learned how to apply COVA within my professional life and have honest discussions with students about their needs and goals within their classroom. I become a catalyst for change. I reflected on my learning philosophy and understood in order to begin change within the organization, I needed to prepare myself for taking myself out of my comfort zone and be ok with not knowing but allowing myself to be teachable.
In order to assemble a successful equitable learning environment with choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities there needed to be a level of commitment, I had to learn how to apply COVA within my own professional journey. Modeling COVA and creating significant learning environments were instrumental in order to influence others in joining our plan. Because EDLD 5303 tasked us with creating an e-Portfolio it was only to our advantage. I was able to reflect on my previous work and reference back to assignments that helped shape Blended Learning: Personalization the Future of Learning.
A catalyst for change-Communicating & Promoting it
“Alone we are smart, Together we are Brilliant” Steve Anderson
This quote has been foundational in leading our collaborative team. Together we were able to create a meaningful and heartfelt Call to Action video that embodied why the need for disruption to our current learning model was necessary. In our Implementation Outline, we created a realistic and visible timeline for our vision which kept us accountable. We made sure to meet and collaborate to revise and update implementation timelines. When we began this journey we worked together to identify our campus needs, student and teacher outcome goals, and the steps we needed to commit to in order for our innovation plan to be successful and sustain change with every school year. My why has always been to make an impactful change to spark interest in equitable learning. our target audience was, why we wanted to make those changes and how we were going to accomplish those goals. Disruptive Innovation in Education, EDLD 5305 began the process of a breakthrough in envisioning change. This class introduced me to COVA + CSLE and allowed me to embrace an innovative mind to be a catalyst for change within our organization.
What worked and Why
Our campus has an infrastructure in place for accessible internet for all students and because we are a 1-to-1 district the transition towards a blended learning rotation model was accessible for the transition.
Our positive and welcoming school culture, supportive administration, and mutual respect for a voice among professionals have been the main reasons I was able to influence change within my classroom. I have openly been able to discuss further implementation of a blended model with our administration because of the trust we have as educators. As we lead those honest Crucial Conversations about our campus needs and for change within the Dyslexia classroom. Our research and Literature Review placed the knowledge in our hands and the ability to produce the challenges and successes with the correct information that had been tested and implemented in other campuses similar to ours. We also made sure there was always transparency and accountability along with teacher input that bridged the gap for the fear of the unknown. All of the support helped shape my framework for navigating through the challenges to implement long-lasting change.
A Blended Learning Rotation Model in the Dyslexia Classroom
We decided to implement a blended learning rotation model to Create a Significant Learning Environment. This change provided our students with a combination of face-to-face learning with an embedded adaptive learning technology component. Our classroom model shifted from teacher-centered to student-centered with teachers moving into more of a facilitator role. Because of this shift teachers were able to work in small groups while students had a choice of what skills they wanted to learn through the use of Lexia Core5 adaptive program helping them take back control of their own learning. Our students were being supported with what they needed in real time. We were able to see students grow in self-confidence and celebrate their academic progress by giving them choices and opportunities to collaborate with their peers. The implementation of a blended learning rotation model has led to higher student engagement, reignited motivation, and created ownership of their learning.
The Road Ahead
Our blended learning model within our classrooms continues. Students have developed leadership roles in and out of our classroom. They are cultivating deeper learning, developing a growth mindset, viewing mistakes as learning opportunities, becoming self-directed, and all within just one year of implementing our innovation project, this is how I am measuring their true success. Creating equitable and significant learning opportunities with choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning was my goal, and the administration and educators on our campus have seen these changes. Our administration has viewed our Call to Action video and welcomed the change. As soon as we are able to implement our innovation plan with our K-5 reading teachers we know we are well prepared. We have laid the groundwork and prepared for Implementing Alternate Professional Learning and showcasing our reasons for influencing change with our Resouces and Digital Environments Media Project. The disruption will continue because personalized equitable learning is the right of every student.
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