My Experience with COVA 

The creation of my Eportfolio was when I first realized that I genuinely used COVA in my assignments.  Based on my learning in the DLL program at Lamar University, COVA is the Choice, Ownership, Voice and Authentic learning experiences one undergoes, usually coupled with CSLE, or Creating a Significant Learning Environment.  My first reaction to this was frustration.  Additionally there were feelings of  panic to succeed and, undoubtedly, resistance.  Because learning is so effortful (and due to my own personal and professional life instances) I did not feel ready or willing to have another wrench thrown in my plans.  Nor did I want to derail my expectations or  ideas of what I thought graduate school might be.  Little did I know, this experience helped me to better understand the way that I learn, my interests and how I would like to enhance myself professionally. 

I was able to connect with my current, future and past students to understand how they felt in the classroom with struggle.  I was able to understand my role as their teacher and more importantly, as a facilitator of learning.  I was also able to see the significance in allowing students to choose, helping me realize that the ownership of their learning will push their curiosity and commitment to learn and do more.  Most importantly, I was able to dive in.  I committed.  I explored and I learned.  The more I learned, the more I needed to find ways to express my thoughts, ideas and reveal whether my ideas were legitimate through academic research and application.  This was an insightful challenge!

Highs and Lows

DLL Journey

My overall experience in the Digital Learning and Leading Program at Lamar University brought forth a plethora of emotions.  Feelings that ranged from a lack of capability to prideful and surprising moments of success (refer to the mood meter above).  Some courses were challenging experiences, yet, they portrayed the uncomfortable circumstances that will continue to occur when making and implementing positive changes for the better.  Some of the things most worth having are difficult and with more experience in the Digital Leading and Learning program, I became a well rounded and effective global citizen with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share both in and out of the classroom.  

I began my journey with understanding that a growth mindset is the most important factor to creating the environment for change.  In doing so, I was also able to determine my learning manifesto.   These introspective assignments allowed me to have the opportunity to reflect on my experience in education and begin to create my Eportfolio. From the research, readings and experiences in the initial courses, I had a first hand experience on the significance of COVA in the learning process.  

The next most impactful step was the creation of my innovation project, Redefining Rigor.  The purpose of this project was the foundation of the DLL program.  I created this project to bring innovation and change to my organization.  I first wrote a proposal letter to the leaders in my organization to introduce them to my idea and present a sample of what was to come.  From there I wrote a literature review based on the benefits of creating and using an Eportfolio in the classroom.  Finally, I created an implementation plan to map out the path to start the project.  Throughout the DLL program, I referred to this project on a regular basis as my "why."  It also led me to be more interested in this work and to lead organizational change.

As I began to learn more, I realized that COVA cannot exist without also Creating a Significant Learning Environment, or CSLE.  In doing so, I was able to dig deep and experience tunnel vision focus on the learner.  I revisited my growth mindset, and applied planning practices using researched theories such as Fink's 3 column table in addition to the more commonplace UBd (Understanding By Design) approach and created a learning philosophy in order to reflect on how my views about learning enhance the facilitation of learning for others.  

In the courses to come, I would be applying everything I have already learned and enhancing what I was and created.  When considering how learners absorb information, it is important for educators to ensure they understand the world around them, especially in a digital space.  Learning about Information Communication Technology, or ICT, allows an expansive view of the way technology is utilized in a variety of settings. Furthermore, the benefit of action research further validates practices for learning - whether digital or traditional - using a scientific method to improve how we perform as teachers.    My personal research allowed me to find out if weekly reflections in an ePortfolio increase math comprehension in my 4th grade math class?  With this question, I was able to complete an outline and write another literature review focused on the research and collective data found on this topic.  I plan to continue to develop this research in the next school year and improve in areas that may have been overlooked initially.  

As excited as I was to continue with action research there was more opportunity for growth.  The next topic I focused on was Digital Citizenship.  In order for my students to be fair, responsible and ethical members of the online and digital community, there should be a base understanding of what is appropriate and beneficial to these virtual experiences.  Topics such as copyright law, ethics and even accountability are important for the overall good of those who chose to interact with a network online.  After the basics of digital citizenship were understood, I could delve into  Instructional Design.  I was able to use a specific Learning Management System in order to launch a digital course.  Continuing to focus on the learner first, I was able to create an organized and straightforward course with resources, activities and the opportunity for online collaboration that are enjoyable.  In another view of innovation, the significance of promoting improvement within the organization was revisited while learning the value of professional learning.  During my experience in this part of the DLL program I devised a plan to ensure that the steps in my innovation project have a detailed course in addition to supporting team members in their pursuit to enhance their practice and learn from my project.  I used a goal previously created resources to devise a plan that would work for the learner's journey while providing proactive and necessary information to the learning community for a smooth adoption of my innovation project.  

Before bringing it all together,  I shared and evaluated educational resources for enhancing the learners' experience.  Digital tools as well as online communities that facilitate the growth and betterment of teaching practice were largely explored.  I was able to share my observations and favorite tools to expand my toolbelt.  When it was finally time to sync my experiences and learnings, I had everything I needed to be a well rounded and valuable educator.