My Innovation project, Redefining Rigor, is a labor of love. I decided to focus on the ability of an eportfolio as a tool to enhance learning. Using the COVA framework, student reflection is the center of understanding, with the help of 21st century technology. This was a tough decision. I began this project the summer after the world shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the beginning of the year, I was hopeful, optimistic and beginning to change my mindset so that I could submit to the experiences I would surely remember from the DIgital Leading and Learning program at Lamar University. However, just 3 months after I began the program, everything paused. Schools shut down, instruction was brought to a halt and the world, including the greater world of education, was quickly attempting to redefine how to continue student learning without the brick and mortar technique.
Although this was a tragedy for many businesses, it was a unique learning experience for myself. More specifically, due to the increased focus on education and the infiltration of technology within it. I knew it was important to increase student learning using tools that would surely enhance how they see the world. From these roadblocks and opportunities for innovation, Redefining Rigor came into being. The goal is to continue to focus on student learning with the advancement of technology, and, most significantly, personal and collaborative reflection. Furthermore, how can one truly understand what has been learned without understanding why or how the journey ensued?
While working on Redefining Rigor, I have realized that creating a program and planning, although familiar to me, can take many approaches. Instructional design, Digital Citizenship, Professional Learning and Collaborative resources are just a few proactive factors that play a role when creating an atmosphere for pursuing and facilitating the growth of knowledge. However, without maintaining the significance of the student as the primary focus, maximum learning falls short. Exploration and interest will greatly be affected and the learning outcome is increased through student Choice, Ownership, voice and authentic learning opportunities (COVA). COVA can only work when the environment, whether primarily digital or digitally enhanced, is designed and created proactively so that all learners grow and learn to become their best selves they choose to be (Harapnuik, 2017). Ensuring these two frameworks are in tandem will bring about disruptive innovation within the learning environment that breeds further curiosity within themselves. This result is the goal of learning!
As I continue to enhance and utilize this project, there are factors to consider that are of great interest to me. I would like to bring about this type of innovation to all types of learners, young and mature, to give this type of learning a world of its own. Our society is rapidly changing from unprecedented occurrences. Some of these are unforeseen and some are not. Ensuring that the focus of learning preserves and improves mankind, there needs to be an overhaul of leading from the schools to the corporate offices, from government entities to small private business. Opportunities to strengthen the global society begins one step at a time. I honestly believe, from experience and guidance, that with any learner’s focus and interest, we can close need gaps and create a great worldwide community that benefits us all.
Cummings, C D., Thibodeaux, T. N., & Harapnuik, D. K. (2017). Using the COVA learning approach to create active and significant learning environments. In Keengwe, J. S. (Eds.). Handbook of research on digital content, mobile learning, and technology integration models in teacher education. Hershey, PA: IGI Global. Submitted for Publication. - Using the COVA Approach to Promote Active Learning-Chapter Draft.pdf
Harapnuik, D. K., Thibodeaux, T. N., & Cummings, C. D. (2018). Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic Learning Opportnities. http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=7291
Thibodeaux, Tilisa. (N.D). COVA + CSLE. Leaner's Mindset. https://tilisathibodeaux.com/wordpress/?page_id=515